Random thought, Been living here since 2006. Household incomes average around $128,105 in South Pasadena. The unemployment rate is 3.5%, which is pretty low. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Has anyone dealt with this? Thanks in advance! It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The city has invested a lot in new development. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
27 upvotes
7 Replies
Amelia
Hot take but it was the best decision I ever made. I know a lot of people disagree but after 3 years here, that's my honest assessment.
39 upvotes
Leo T.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 7 years. Moved from Nashville for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. North schools are solid. 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. Limited public transit options. Far from beaches/mountains. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
38 upvotes
Samuel B.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 13 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the nightlife is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Westside side vs the Maple Ridge side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
34 upvotes
Hunter Hughes
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 8 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Strong job market in several industries
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are wild, gas is average.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Hope this helps!.
30 upvotes
Austin A.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are better than expected, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
15 upvotes
Michael Rogers
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 30, moved here 3 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in North and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The school system situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for remote workers. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $90K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
5 upvotes
Julian Brown
I've lived in Maple Ridge for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Phoenix, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Strong job market in several industries
- The outdoor recreation scene is decent
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for couples. Feel free to reach out with questions..
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