Longtime lurker here, My family moved here when I was a kid. Median household income is $105,613, which feels pretty solid for the area. With a population of 59,485, Santee is a smaller city. The unemployment rate is 3.2%, which is pretty low. The median home value here is around $653,400, which is pretty steep. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Does this match your experience? TIA!
14 upvotes
15 Replies
Isaiah Johnson
big facts right here
38 upvotes
Sophia Myers
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 8 years ago from Salt Lake City and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Eastside. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 17 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like Asian.
Hope this helps!.
32 upvotes
Angel H.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Internet is underrated in most areas.
32 upvotes
Adam Scott
accurate
27 upvotes
Quinn
couldn't agree more
24 upvotes
austin_jonathan
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Tampa about 7 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Close to major attractions
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are competitive, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Feel free to reach out with questions..
23 upvotes
Luke C.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is safety. I genuinely enjoy living here. Worth doing your research before committing.
22 upvotes
Jaxon Price
I'm a writer and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The community is challenging and there's always something going on.
20 upvotes
Jonathan Cooper
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely pretty good and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Springfield) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Charlotte, be prepared for the culture shock. job market is completely different here. And Homeless population growing downtown.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
19 upvotes
Cameron Roberts
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 11 years. Moved from Seattle for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is average - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Lakewood schools are tough. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Urban sprawl is real. Far from beaches/mountains. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 8/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
17 upvotes
Lydia Ramirez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a teacher who relocated here from LA about 12 years ago. The main reasons were family and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Active local events and festivals
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are affordable, gas is improving.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Feel free to reach out with questions..
10 upvotes
tucson_miles
My experience has been mostly positive. it's been a really good experience overall. The only thing I'd watch out for is dating scene. Other than that, Definitely worth checking out..
9 upvotes
Daniel Williams
Came here for retirement and stayed because I have mixed feelings honestly. The community vibe is honestly average and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
7 upvotes
Allison P.
nah I disagree
7 upvotes
Valentina Mitchell
As someone who grew up here, it's improved dramatically in recent years. A lot has changed in the past few years though. dating scene used to be much competitive but now it's decent.
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