I relocated for work and Average temperature is around 58--F, so the weather is moderate. Crime rate is something to consider -Sierra Madre sits at 137.4 per 100K. Poverty rate is 3.8%, which is pretty low. Median household income is $141,094, which feels pretty solid for the area. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The weather takes some getting used to. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The weather takes some getting used to. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
15 upvotes
7 Replies
ezekiel_heart
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Boston about 6 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Lots of new development happening
- Active local events and festivals
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are established, gas is pretty good.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Hope this helps!.
39 upvotes
Connor Foster
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are better than expected, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
20 upvotes
Bella R.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 4 years ago from Pittsburgh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Downtown. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in legal. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 10 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like Asian.
Definitely worth checking out..
10 upvotes
Hudson S.
The food scene here is average. Tons of great seafood places. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
8 upvotes
Ezekiel Morris
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's not perfect but it works for me. Internet is average in most areas.
5 upvotes
Austin Murphy
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from LA about 13 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Affordable housing options
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are affordable, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
4 upvotes
Riley
I've lived in South for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Seattle, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The cultural scene scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Summers can be brutally hot
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for singles. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..