I'm retired and With a population of 13,834, Valencia West is a small town. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
8 upvotes
4 Replies
nashvillesoul2023
Bought a house here in 2021 and it's been a really good experience overall. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
13 upvotes
Eugene R.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Minneapolis about 15 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Decent public transit for the size
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are reasonable, gas is solid.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Hope this helps!.
9 upvotes
Greyson Allen
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 39, moved here 7 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Downtown and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Close to major attractions
2. Affordable housing options
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Limited shopping options
3. The housing market situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for remote workers. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: 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 surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $50K-$140K 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.
3 upvotes
Landon
We moved here with our family and I have mixed feelings honestly. Schools in Old Town area are solid. Kids love it here.