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Mason Ward living

Why I chose Tehachapi over bigger cities

Curious what people think. We're a young couple and You can expect to pay around $1,278 for rent here. The unemployment rate is 3.1%, which is pretty low. Poverty rate is 4.8%, which is pretty low. Homes are going for about $344,700 on average. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The suburbs are where most families end up. The city has invested a lot in new development. The weather takes some getting used to. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
10 upvotes

2 Replies

Madeline H.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.

Background: I'm a writer, 39, moved here 12 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in South and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.

**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year

**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The walkability situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving

**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for couples. improving 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 Nashville, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $50K-$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.
18 upvotes
Daniel Wilson
Can confirm, been here 8 years.
13 upvotes
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