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born_luke82
moving
What to expect moving to Santee?
It's a a smaller city city with about 59,485 people. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
20 upvotes
20 Replies
elijah_walker
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 8 years ago from New York and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Oak Park. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 15 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
No regrets on my end..
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Oak Park. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 15 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
No regrets on my end..
40 upvotes
Ruby Davis
Bought a house here in 2017 and it was the best decision I ever made. Property values have gone about the same since then.
35 upvotes
Ryan Diaz
been saying this for years
32 upvotes
Arianna Campbell
We moved here with our family and it's been a really good experience overall. Schools in Sunset area are surprisingly good. Kids love it here.
31 upvotes
Hunter Rodriguez
I've lived in Greenfield for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Denver, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Active local events and festivals
- The weather scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Nightlife is limited
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for retirees. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Denver, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Active local events and festivals
- The weather scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Nightlife is limited
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for retirees. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
30 upvotes
Jacob Garcia
glad someone said it
27 upvotes
Rachel K.
My experience has been mostly positive. I have mixed feelings honestly. The only thing I'd watch out for is job market. Other than that, Good luck with whatever you decide..
27 upvotes
Gianna
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Midtown for 9 years. Moved from Baltimore for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2018 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:**
manufacturing is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is solid - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Midtown schools are decent. 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. Limited public transit options. Far from beaches/mountains. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Midtown for 9 years. Moved from Baltimore for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2018 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:**
manufacturing is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is solid - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Midtown schools are decent. 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. Limited public transit options. Far from beaches/mountains. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
26 upvotes
Beverly H.
seconding this
26 upvotes
Jonathan Ramirez
Bought a house here in 2019 and it's been a really good experience overall. Property values have gone about the same since then.
23 upvotes
cool_kinsley19
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are underrated, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
12 upvotes
tulsa_josiah
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it was the best decision I ever made. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
11 upvotes
Eugene F.
yeah no that's not right
10 upvotes
jace_mind
I've lived in Riverside for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from Charlotte, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Decent public transit for the size
- The walkability scene is average
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Winters are long and cold
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for retirees. Good luck with whatever you decide..
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from Charlotte, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Decent public transit for the size
- The walkability scene is average
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Winters are long and cold
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for retirees. Good luck with whatever you decide..
9 upvotes
Roy J.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 15 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The North side vs the West side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
I've been here 15 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The North side vs the West side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
8 upvotes
Zoey Roberts
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 42, moved here 11 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in The Heights and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The food scene situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for singles. decent vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Pittsburgh, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $80K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
Background: I'm a contractor, 42, moved here 11 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in The Heights and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The food scene situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for singles. decent vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Pittsburgh, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $80K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
5 upvotes
Mateo Carter
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a nurse who relocated here from Chicago about 1 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Lots of new development happening
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are competitive, gas is excellent.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Feel free to reach out with questions..
I'm a nurse who relocated here from Chicago about 1 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Lots of new development happening
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are competitive, gas is excellent.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Feel free to reach out with questions..
5 upvotes
Nova Hughes
Moved here from Baltimore about 5 years ago. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Still getting used to school system but Hope this helps!.
5 upvotes
Robert
preach
5 upvotes
Theresa H.
Came here for weather and stayed because it's exactly what I was looking for. The safety is honestly better than expected and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
1 upvotes