Curious what people think. The unemployment rate is 3.5%, which is pretty low. Am I overthinking this?
14 upvotes
8 Replies
Oliver Ruiz
hmm interesting perspective
38 upvotes
Hunter Parker
Weather-wise, the summers are solid and winters are manageable. You get used to it after the first year.
34 upvotes
Lucy Lee
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 4 years ago from Charlotte and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Midtown. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in engineering. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 13 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like sushi.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
28 upvotes
Ezra Rivera
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 10 years. Moved from Austin for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. marketing 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 exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is average - 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 average. 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. Can feel isolated. Limited entertainment options. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 6/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
28 upvotes
Nathan Howard
accurate
22 upvotes
Grace Ruiz
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 hit or miss and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (Eastside) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Diego, be prepared for the culture shock. pet-friendliness is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
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.
15 upvotes
Kinsley Scott
I've been living here for 2 years and I'd say it was the best decision I ever made. The dating scene is improving compared to other places I've lived. Overall Feel free to reach out with questions..