Not sure if this has been asked before, but I'm retired and Household incomes average around $114,991 in Soquel. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Any help is appreciated.
10 upvotes
7 Replies
mountain_elijah38
I've been living here for 5 years and I'd say it was the best decision I ever made. The community vibe is pretty good compared to other places I've lived. Overall Definitely worth checking out..
40 upvotes
Sarah Parker
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 8 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Greenfield side vs the East side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
34 upvotes
Ruby Foster
wish I knew this sooner
33 upvotes
Scarlett G.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in The Heights for 9 years. Moved from Nashville for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. real estate 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:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. The Heights schools are better than expected. 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. Road conditions need improvement. Dating scene is rough. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 8/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
27 upvotes
Reagan
I've been living here for 15 years and I'd say the quality of life is solid. The community vibe is average compared to other places I've lived. Overall No regrets on my end..
19 upvotes
Andrew Sanchez
Bought a house here in 2016 and it was the best decision I ever made. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
7 upvotes
Samuel R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 50, moved here 14 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in South and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Good healthcare facilities
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The pet-friendliness situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for singles. tough vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $100K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
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