Hi all, I relocated for work and Poverty rate is 3.7%, which is pretty low. The unemployment rate is 2.9%, which is pretty low. The food scene here is surprisingly good. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The city has invested a lot in new development. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The weather takes some getting used to.
10 upvotes
15 Replies
Madeline
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
36 upvotes
Ezekiel Miller
seconding this
35 upvotes
portland_samuel
glad someone said it
32 upvotes
Jayden Martin
Public transit is better than expected here. You'll probably need a car for most things. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
30 upvotes
Katherine Taylor
Public transit is hit or miss here. You'll probably need a car for most things. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
30 upvotes
Connor Carter
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 6 years. Moved from Raleigh for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is tough - we have national forests 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 solid. 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. Chain restaurants dominate. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
27 upvotes
Isabelle Peterson
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 14 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's manageable 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 improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the Westside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
25 upvotes
Brian O.
Public transit is solid here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
24 upvotes
Zoey Cook
facts
21 upvotes
Elizabeth Turner
hard disagree but ok
20 upvotes
Sarah Phillips
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Charlotte about 12 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Close to major attractions
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are manageable, gas is underrated.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Hope this helps!.
6 upvotes
Ariana Cruz
glad someone said it
4 upvotes
Parker Harris
been saying this for years
4 upvotes
Kevin M.
My experience has been mostly positive. it's improved dramatically in recent years. The only thing I'd watch out for is community vibe. Other than that, It's not for everyone but it works for us..
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