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Matthew R. living

What I wish I knew before living in Soquel

First post here. I'm a college student here and It's a a small town city with about 10,691 people. Homes are going for about $908,500 on average. Average temperature is around 59--F, so the weather is moderate. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The city has invested a lot in new development. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.

Pros:
- Low crime in most areas
- Good schools
- Walkable downtown
- Good airport connections

Cons:
- Cold winters
- Boring for young people
- Limited cultural events
- Chain restaurants dominate
The city has invested a lot in new development. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The food scene here is surprisingly good. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The weather takes some getting used to. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The city has invested a lot in new development. The weather takes some getting used to. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
5 upvotes

3 Replies

Sadie Nguyen
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it exceeded my expectations. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
30 upvotes
Luna Wood
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. it's been a really good experience overall. Compared to Boston it's surprisingly good.
25 upvotes
Isabella Moore
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.

Background: I'm a social worker, 26, moved here 1 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.

**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year

**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The housing market situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving

**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for young professionals. tough vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 Chicago, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$100K here.

**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
15 upvotes
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