I relocated for work and You can expect to pay around $933 for rent here. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The suburbs are where most families end up. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
11 upvotes
7 Replies
Julian
The food scene here is surprisingly good. Tons of great craft beer places. I genuinely enjoy living here.
38 upvotes
Allison Evans
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 2 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have beaches 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 tough. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Limited high-paying job options. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 8/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
37 upvotes
Kayden W.
been saying this for years
35 upvotes
Elizabeth
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 55, moved here 13 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Riverside and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Close to major attractions
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The nightlife situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for singles. tough vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 Francisco, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $80K-$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.
29 upvotes
Gabriella Roberts
I'm a accountant and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. The community is average and there's always something going on.
25 upvotes
Leonardo J.
My experience has been mostly positive. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The only thing I'd watch out for is walkability. Other than that, Good luck with whatever you decide..
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