Random thought, My partner and I are Poverty rate is 1.7%, which is pretty low. The median home value here is around $514,800, which is pretty steep. It's a a smaller city city with about 67,765 people. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. What would you do? The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The food scene here is surprisingly good. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The suburbs are where most families end up. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The weather takes some getting used to. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
30 upvotes
2 Replies
Gianna J.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 13 years. Moved from Raleigh for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth down slightly 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:**
consulting is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Westside schools are pretty good. 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Limited entertainment options. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
31 upvotes
Silas Baker
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 44, moved here 8 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Friendly community, easy to meet people
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The food scene situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for couples. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $60K-$110K 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.
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