Crime rate is something to consider — Thousand Oaks sits at 68.9 per 100K. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The city has invested a lot in new development. What would you do? Any help is appreciated. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
23 upvotes
11 Replies
local_miles78
I've lived in The Heights for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Salt Lake City, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Active local events and festivals
- Affordable housing options
- The walkability scene is tough
The downsides:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for couples. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
38 upvotes
Theodore K.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 43, moved here 7 years ago from Miami. I've lived in South and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The nightlife situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for families. average 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 Miami, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $40K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
36 upvotes
houston_willow
This.
27 upvotes
Christian Castillo
I've lived in Downtown for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Baltimore, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- The cost of living scene is average
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Limited high-paying job options
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for families. Definitely worth checking out..
23 upvotes
Leonardo Harris
The food scene here is hit or miss. Tons of great seafood places. it's not perfect but it works for me.
19 upvotes
Joshua Morris
nah I disagree
19 upvotes
Savannah Gomez
following this thread
16 upvotes
Justin J.
been saying this for years
16 upvotes
Sebastian Collins
nah I disagree
14 upvotes
Hudson
accurate
9 upvotes
Angel R.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 11 years. Moved from San Francisco for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is average - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Sunset schools are improving. 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. Limited entertainment options. Far from beaches/mountains. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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