OK so We're a young couple and Poverty rate is 24.7%, which is higher than I expected. Household incomes average around $53,532 in Southeast Arcadia. You can expect to pay around $935 for rent here. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
Pros:
- Close to nature
- Easy commute
- Strong sense of community
- Good airport connections
Cons:
- Hot summers
- Lack of diversity
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Homelessness issues downtown
Has anyone dealt with this? Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
9 upvotes
7 Replies
Grayson Nguyen
Came here for retirement and stayed because it was the best decision I ever made. The walkability is honestly decent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
38 upvotes
Isabelle D.
I work in education here and it's not perfect but it works for me. The job market for my field is decent. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
37 upvotes
Everett Mitchell
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 43, moved here 15 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Pine Hills and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The housing market situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for young professionals. tough vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 Boston, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $80K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
35 upvotes
Kevin S.
I've been living here for 6 years and I'd say it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor recreation is average compared to other places I've lived. Overall Definitely worth checking out..
30 upvotes
Piper King
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are decent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
22 upvotes
Jaxon Sanchez
hmm interesting perspective
19 upvotes
Levi Castillo
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 28, moved here 2 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Downtown and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The healthcare situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for retirees. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- North: 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 solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $50K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.