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Olivia R. housing

Cost of living reality check -Spring Valley

Hi all, I'm a nurse at the local hospital and Average temperature is around 52--F, so expect cold winters. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The city has invested a lot in new development. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
24 upvotes

8 Replies

Quinn Hernandez
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are excellent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
36 upvotes
Tyler M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.

Background: I'm a pharmacist, 56, moved here 3 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Eastside and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.

**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year

**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Property taxes are high
3. The pet-friendliness situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving

**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for remote workers. tough vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$120K here.

**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
27 upvotes
Riley
I've lived in South for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.

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

A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Strong job market in several industries
- The public transit scene is solid

The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Urban sprawl is real

Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for remote workers. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
18 upvotes
Emilia W.
Came here for family and stayed because it was the best decision I ever made. The cost of living is honestly challenging and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
17 upvotes
William Wilson
Public transit is hit or miss here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it exceeded my expectations.
11 upvotes
Bennett Watson
noted, appreciate it
5 upvotes
Bennett Murphy
My experience has been mostly positive. I have mixed feelings honestly. The only thing I'd watch out for is traffic. Other than that, No regrets on my end..
0 upvotes
Nevaeh Gray
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.

I've been in Midtown for 13 years. Moved from New York for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up a bit 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:**
construction is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.

**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.

**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Midtown schools are challenging. 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Chain restaurants dominate. And cost of living can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 5/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
0 upvotes
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