Not sure if this has been asked before, but I've been here for 11 years and Crime rate is something to consider -Wrightwood sits at 163.9 per 100K. The unemployment rate is 1.4%, which is pretty low. Household incomes average around $78,496 in Wrightwood. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Appreciate any input. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The suburbs are where most families end up.
15 upvotes
8 Replies
Aurora Sanders
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 51, moved here 2 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The healthcare situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for remote workers. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 Charlotte, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $100K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
26 upvotes
Hunter Adams
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 8 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Westside side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
23 upvotes
Sofia Smith
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 27, moved here 6 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Eastside and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The traffic situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for couples. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 Tampa, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $40K-$120K 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.
23 upvotes
atlwalker2021
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from Phoenix about 13 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Four distinct seasons
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are stable, gas is tough.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Definitely worth checking out..
16 upvotes
Jeremiah Diaz
Weather-wise, the summers are excellent and winters are reasonable. You get used to it after the first year.
14 upvotes
Bryan W.
Moved here from Nashville about 11 years ago. it's exactly what I was looking for. Still getting used to housing market but Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
8 upvotes
Gabriella Hernandez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value housing market, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely challenging and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (The Heights) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Austin, be prepared for the culture shock. cost of living is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
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.
8 upvotes
Roman Mitchell
Bought a house here in 2017 and it's not perfect but it works for me. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
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