Been living here since 2019. The unemployment rate is 2.5%, which is pretty low. Median household income is $114,991, which feels pretty solid for the area. Rent is about $2,293/month for a decent place. Crime rate is something to consider -Soquel sits at 296.0 per 100K. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Thoughts? It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
1 upvotes
10 Replies
Serenity Hughes
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 56, moved here 10 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in Old Town and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Nightlife is limited
3. The dating scene situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for families. better than expected 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 Nashville, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
39 upvotes
Harper Robinson
Totally agree!
35 upvotes
dallasfan2023
hard disagree but ok
35 upvotes
Madeline Johnson
following this thread
34 upvotes
Julia Moore
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 14 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Downtown side vs the The Heights side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
16 upvotes
Nevaeh
I'm a social worker and I've found the quality of life is solid. The community is improving and there's always something going on.
12 upvotes
Audrey Adams
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Internet is decent in most areas.
11 upvotes
Ezra Turner
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value healthcare, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely pretty good and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (Lakewood) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from LA, be prepared for the culture shock. school system is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
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.
4 upvotes
Reagan
Used to live on the Oak Park side, now on the North side. Completely different vibe. it was the best decision I ever made.
3 upvotes
Elena Morales
Used to live on the Fairview side, now on the Old Town side. Completely different vibe. it's exactly what I was looking for.
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