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Commute times in Whittier -how bad?

Hey folks, Average temperature is around 62--F, so the weather is moderate. You can expect to pay around $1,829 for rent here. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Would love some local perspective. TIA! The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The weather takes some getting used to. The suburbs are where most families end up.
18 upvotes

5 Replies

Aaron Gutierrez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.

Background: I'm a accountant, 43, moved here 5 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in South and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.

**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year

**What I don't love:**
1. Limited shopping options
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The outdoor recreation situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving

**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for young professionals. tough vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 Baltimore, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $40K-$100K here.

**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
23 upvotes
Natalie
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.

If you value nightlife, you'll love it. The public transit is genuinely excellent and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (Cedar Grove) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.

But if you're coming from New York, be prepared for the culture shock. pet-friendliness is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.

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.
18 upvotes
Dominic
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are decent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
10 upvotes
Brooks Price
spot on
6 upvotes
Samuel Walker
I've lived in Westside for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.

I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Nashville, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.

A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Lots of new development happening
- The pet-friendliness scene is pretty good

The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Limited shopping options

Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for families. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
1 upvotes
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