I grew up here but left for a while. The median home value here is around $557,500, which is pretty steep. With a population of 125K, Vallejo is a mid-size city. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
17 upvotes
7 Replies
Aaron Ward
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 2 years ago. The main reasons were weather and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are competitive, gas is decent.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. No regrets on my end..
40 upvotes
Addison R.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 14 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Maple Ridge side vs the Springfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
27 upvotes
Brielle M.
I work in legal here and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The job market for my field is excellent. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
22 upvotes
Jose Bennett
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 8 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into running, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Eastside side vs the Riverside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
11 upvotes
Hunter Carter
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 6 years ago from Raleigh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Highland. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in manufacturing. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like Southern.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
10 upvotes
Greyson Scott
I've been living here for 6 years and I'd say there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The healthcare is challenging compared to other places I've lived. Overall Good luck with whatever you decide..
5 upvotes
Zoe Alvarez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value traffic, you'll love it. The safety is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (Lakewood) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Chicago, be prepared for the culture shock. job market is completely different here. And Not a lot of cultural diversity.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
All Countries
