With a population of 126K, Simi Valley is a mid-size city. Household incomes average around $117,703 in Simi Valley. The unemployment rate is 3.0%, which is pretty low. It's a a mid-size city city with about 126K people. The weather takes some getting used to. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. What would you do? Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Property taxes are high but you get good services. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's changing fast — some good, some not so much. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The weather takes some getting used to. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
5 upvotes
3 Replies
Mia H.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 28, moved here 15 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Can feel isolated
3. The walkability situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for retirees. average vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 Raleigh, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $40K-$140K 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.
21 upvotes
Cora W.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. it's exactly what I was looking for. Compared to San Diego it's tough.
20 upvotes
Noah Bailey
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from Austin about 14 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Four distinct seasons
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are wild, gas is better than expected.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Good luck with whatever you decide..
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