Hey folks, I'm a college student here and Crime rate is something to consider -South Whittier sits at 428.9 per 100K. Rent is about $1,823/month for a decent place. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The suburbs are where most families end up. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
2 upvotes
12 Replies
James D.
I work in real estate here and I have mixed feelings honestly. The job market for my field is solid. No regrets on my end..
38 upvotes
Landon L.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value safety, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely solid and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (Meadowbrook) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Houston, be prepared for the culture shock. cultural scene is completely different here. And Nightlife is limited.
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.
22 upvotes
Parker
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 7 years ago from Miami and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Cedar Grove. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in legal. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 13 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like sushi.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
19 upvotes
Delilah R.
good to know, thanks
19 upvotes
Bella
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in West for 11 years. Moved from Dallas for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. West schools are tough. 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. Chain restaurants dominate. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
15 upvotes
Oliver Green
Came here for quality of life and stayed because I have mixed feelings honestly. The walkability is honestly better than expected and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
15 upvotes
Caroline Morris
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 53, moved here 3 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in The Heights and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Property taxes are high
3. The weather situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for remote workers. hit or miss 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 San Francisco, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $40K-$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.
10 upvotes
Cooper R.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Happy to answer more specific questions..
7 upvotes
Dorothy F.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is community vibe. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Worth doing your research before committing.
6 upvotes
Elena L.
yep
5 upvotes
Alice Anderson
Moved here from Phoenix about 8 years ago. it exceeded my expectations. Still getting used to food scene but Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
2 upvotes
Evelyn T.
The food scene here is pretty good. Tons of great sushi places. I love the pace of life here.
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