So, Born and raised here. Average temperature is around 59--F, so the weather is moderate. The median home value here is around $162,800, which is actually reasonable. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Should I be concerned? I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
21 upvotes
7 Replies
Lydia G.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 13 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's competitive 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 decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Springfield side vs the Downtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
37 upvotes
Joshua Taylor
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 5 years. Moved from Seattle for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - 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. Westside schools are tough. 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. Far from beaches/mountains. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 9/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
36 upvotes
Lydia F.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 12 years ago from Phoenix and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Greenfield. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 9 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like Mediterranean.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
28 upvotes
Cooper Cooper
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value community vibe, you'll love it. The traffic is genuinely excellent and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (Meadowbrook) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Miami, be prepared for the culture shock. housing market 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.
23 upvotes
Brooks H.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 9 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Meadowbrook side vs the Pine Hills side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
12 upvotes
Skylar Torres
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 9 years ago from Baltimore and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Pine Hills. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in real estate. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like Vietnamese.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
0 upvotes
Jaxon Patel
Used to live on the Eastside side, now on the The Heights side. Completely different vibe. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
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