I grew up here but left for a while. The median home value here is around $951,200, which is pretty steep. Crime rate is something to consider — Thousand Oaks sits at 68.9 per 100K. It's a a mid-size city city with about 126K people. Average temperature is around 62°F, so the weather is moderate. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The suburbs are where most families end up. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
26 upvotes
8 Replies
Ethan S.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 6 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The South side vs the Lakewood side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
35 upvotes
Christian Cook
Moved here from San Francisco about 9 years ago. it's exactly what I was looking for. Still getting used to outdoor recreation but It's not for everyone but it works for us..
26 upvotes
Elijah Brown
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 40, moved here 11 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Great outdoor activities nearby
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The traffic situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for couples. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 Dallas, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $90K-$140K 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.
23 upvotes
Ellie Howard
couldn't agree more
19 upvotes
Hailey Collins
Weather-wise, the summers are better than expected and winters are stable. You get used to it after the first year.
15 upvotes
Victoria Thompson
I've lived in Old Town for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Miami, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Good airport with direct flights
- The healthcare scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Can feel isolated
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for singles. No regrets on my end..
10 upvotes
Autumn Scott
I've been living here for 5 years and I'd say I'm still on the fence after all this time. The nightlife is tough compared to other places I've lived. Overall Definitely worth checking out..
4 upvotes
Elizabeth C.
I'm a marketing manager and I've found it exceeded my expectations. The community is pretty good and there's always something going on.
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