Should I move to Whitaker or stay in San Francisco?
Not sure if this has been asked before, but Crime rate is something to consider -Whitaker sits at 711.2 per 100K. Median household income is $62,339, which feels about average for the area. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Would love some local perspective. The city has invested a lot in new development. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
6 upvotes
9 Replies
Brooks
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Miami about 15 years ago. The main reasons were family and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Good internet infrastructure
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are manageable, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Feel free to reach out with questions..
38 upvotes
Ruby Phillips
Hot take but I have mixed feelings honestly. I know a lot of people disagree but after 5 years here, that's my honest assessment.
35 upvotes
Dylan Gutierrez
I'm a teacher and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. The community is hit or miss and there's always something going on.
32 upvotes
Zoey J.
interesting, hadn't considered that
31 upvotes
Eli P.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want public transit, then yeah this place is great. But if school system matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
31 upvotes
Joseph Ramirez
Used to live on the Meadowbrook side, now on the Maple Ridge side. Completely different vibe. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
24 upvotes
Jaxon Long
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 56, moved here 6 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in Old Town and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Winters are long and cold
3. The cost of living situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for retirees. solid vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 Nashville, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
14 upvotes
desert_jeremiah92
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value community vibe, you'll love it. The school system is genuinely pretty good and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (Greenfield) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Minneapolis, be prepared for the culture shock. housing market is completely different here. And Chain restaurants dominate.
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.
4 upvotes
Claire Carter
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are pretty good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
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