Sign In Register
Nova T. moving

Moving to South Whittier with kids -good idea?

I work in logistics 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. Homes are going for about $641,700 on average. Median household income is $98,974, which feels pretty solid for the area. With a population of 55,201, South Whittier is a smaller city. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The weather takes some getting used to. Worth the trade-offs? Thanks in advance! People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The suburbs are where most families end up. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The weather takes some getting used to. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The weather takes some getting used to. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
26 upvotes

15 Replies

Lucas D.
interesting, hadn't considered that
40 upvotes
wild_violet50
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.

If you value food scene, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely hit or miss and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (Greenfield) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.

But if you're coming from Nashville, be prepared for the culture shock. school system is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.

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.
39 upvotes
raleigh_ella
Hot take but it exceeded my expectations. I know a lot of people disagree but after 10 years here, that's my honest assessment.
35 upvotes
Samuel Moore
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.

If you value public transit, you'll love it. The cultural scene is genuinely decent and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Oak Park) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.

But if you're coming from Chicago, be prepared for the culture shock. housing market 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.
35 upvotes
Adeline S.
I've lived in Downtown for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.

I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Minneapolis, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.

A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Lots of new development happening
- The safety scene is better than expected

The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Property taxes are high

Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for young professionals. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
29 upvotes
Isaac R.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 12 years ago from Denver 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 South. It's hit or miss for what you get.

Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in construction. If you're in retail you might struggle.

People: Generally improving. It took about 13 months to build a solid friend group.

Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like Italian.

Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
28 upvotes
Nolan S.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
27 upvotes
Emily Castillo
Public transit is surprisingly good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's been a really good experience overall.
23 upvotes
Josiah
The food scene here is pretty good. Tons of great Mexican places. I have mixed feelings honestly.
20 upvotes
Scarlett T.
facts
18 upvotes
William Wilson
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it was the best decision I ever made. Internet is challenging in most areas.
15 upvotes
real_kai78
Hot take but it's been a really good experience overall. I know a lot of people disagree but after 9 years here, that's my honest assessment.
12 upvotes
Addison Brooks
couldn't agree more
9 upvotes
Joseph Lee
hmm interesting perspective
4 upvotes
Scarlett Allen
Hot take but I love the pace of life here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 15 years here, that's my honest assessment.
0 upvotes
← Back to South Whittier Community