I'm retired and The unemployment rate is 3.4%, which is pretty low. Crime rate is something to consider -Whittier sits at 247.2 per 100K. Rent is about $1,829/month for a decent place. With a population of 85,925, Whittier is a smaller city. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The city has invested a lot in new development. Cheers. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. 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. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The city has invested a lot in new development.
21 upvotes
6 Replies
Everett R.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value traffic, you'll love it. The nightlife is genuinely better than expected and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (South) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Dallas, be prepared for the culture shock. cultural scene is completely different here. And Property taxes are high.
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.
40 upvotes
Landon Wilson
We moved here with our family and the quality of life is solid. Schools in Lakewood area are average. Kids love it here.
40 upvotes
Sofia Wilson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Midtown for 7 years. Moved from Baltimore for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2016 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:**
retail is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is underrated - 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. Midtown schools are better than expected. 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. Homeless population growing downtown. Limited entertainment options. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 9/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
34 upvotes
Eleanor
Hot take but it's not perfect but it works for me. I know a lot of people disagree but after 6 years here, that's my honest assessment.
28 upvotes
sunny_sarah40
great question, following
17 upvotes
Dylan
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Phoenix about 11 years ago. The main reasons were work and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are reasonable, gas is average.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
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