Hey, I work in energy and The unemployment rate is 7.5%, which is concerning. Median household income is $41,875, which feels on the lower side for the area. The median home value here is around $155,700, which is actually reasonable. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The suburbs are where most families end up.
8 upvotes
9 Replies
Grace Howard
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 39, moved here 13 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Downtown and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Limited shopping options
3. The job market situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for families. tough vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: 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 San Diego, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $80K-$110K 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.
40 upvotes
Mateo Stewart
Used to live on the Midtown side, now on the West side. Completely different vibe. the quality of life is solid.
38 upvotes
Oliver
I've been living here for 3 years and I'd say I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The job market is hit or miss compared to other places I've lived. Overall Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
28 upvotes
Asher
Bought a house here in 2017 and it's been a really good experience overall. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
26 upvotes
Bella C.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 6 years. Moved from Portland for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is challenging - 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. East schools are underrated. 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. Property taxes are high. Can feel isolated. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
12 upvotes
Elizabeth S.
Public transit is tough here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
6 upvotes
Madeline Young
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 11 years ago from Miami and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Riverside. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in consulting. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 17 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like seafood.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
3 upvotes
Violet G.
Moved here from Chicago about 1 years ago. it exceeded my expectations. Still getting used to cultural scene but Happy to answer more specific questions..
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