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James R.
best-worst
What surprised you most about Somerset?
Born and raised here. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. What neighborhoods would you suggest?
11 upvotes
11 Replies
Maya Gomez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 7 years. Moved from Miami for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is average - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Sunset schools are average. 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. Can feel isolated. Limited entertainment options. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Sunset for 7 years. Moved from Miami for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is average - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Sunset schools are average. 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. Can feel isolated. Limited entertainment options. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
40 upvotes
Zoey Jackson
Saving this thread
34 upvotes
Caroline Davis
Can confirm, been here 7 years.
29 upvotes
Autumn R.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 3 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Cedar Grove side vs the Uptown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
I've been here 3 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Cedar Grove side vs the Uptown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
25 upvotes
Aaron G.
not my experience at all
24 upvotes
Grace
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 6 years. Moved from San Diego for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is solid - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Sunset 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. Nightlife is limited. Chain restaurants dominate. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 9/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Sunset for 6 years. Moved from San Diego for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is solid - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Sunset 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. Nightlife is limited. Chain restaurants dominate. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 9/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
23 upvotes
Serenity Allen
big facts right here
23 upvotes
Violet Ramirez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from Tampa about 11 years ago. The main reasons were school and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Active local events and festivals
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are growing, gas is solid.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. No regrets on my end..
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from Tampa about 11 years ago. The main reasons were school and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Active local events and festivals
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are growing, gas is solid.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. No regrets on my end..
15 upvotes
Noah G.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Internet is tough in most areas.
11 upvotes
Reagan Taylor
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value food scene, you'll love it. The safety is genuinely challenging and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Uptown) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from New York, be prepared for the culture shock. safety is completely different here. And Road conditions need improvement.
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.
If you value food scene, you'll love it. The safety is genuinely challenging and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Uptown) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from New York, be prepared for the culture shock. safety is completely different here. And Road conditions need improvement.
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.
11 upvotes
Claire
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 38, moved here 2 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Oak Park and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Rising rent and home prices
3. The job market situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for remote workers. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 Dallas, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $50K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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 nurse, 38, moved here 2 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Oak Park and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Rising rent and home prices
3. The job market situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for remote workers. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 Dallas, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $50K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
2 upvotes