Anyone else feel this way? Crime rate is something to consider -Seal Beach sits at 78.8 per 100K. Median household income is $83,045, which feels pretty solid for the area. Household incomes average around $83,045 in Seal Beach. Average temperature is around 65--F, so the weather is moderate. The city has invested a lot in new development. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Has anyone dealt with this? Property taxes are high but you get good services. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The city has invested a lot in new development.
12 upvotes
14 Replies
Jayden
good to know, thanks
40 upvotes
greyson_living
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from Charlotte about 8 years ago. The main reasons were family and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Active local events and festivals
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Property taxes are high
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are wild, gas is challenging.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Good luck with whatever you decide..
39 upvotes
Amelia Ruiz
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value dating scene, you'll love it. The safety is genuinely pretty good and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (Sunset) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Diego, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
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.
34 upvotes
Mackenzie Roberts
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 3 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is cost of living. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The North side vs the Sunset side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
33 upvotes
Carter Kelly
Hot take but I have mixed feelings honestly. I know a lot of people disagree but after 15 years here, that's my honest assessment.
29 upvotes
Sophia Gonzalez
facts
28 upvotes
eva_mind
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 7 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The West side vs the Downtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
27 upvotes
Cora Sanders
I've lived in West for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from Atlanta, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The walkability scene is average
The downsides:
- Can feel isolated
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for retirees. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
27 upvotes
Larry J.
Used to live on the Maple Ridge side, now on the Lakewood side. Completely different vibe. it exceeded my expectations.
23 upvotes
Ezekiel Anderson
Hot take but I'm still on the fence after all this time. I know a lot of people disagree but after 10 years here, that's my honest assessment.
17 upvotes
Alexander Ortiz
+1
13 upvotes
columbus_adrian
great question, following
12 upvotes
Ariana Diaz
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Compared to Austin it's pretty good.
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