Hi all, I'm originally from Minneapolis and The unemployment rate is 1.9%, which is pretty low. Poverty rate is 9.7%, which is pretty low. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Should I be concerned?
6 upvotes
7 Replies
Reagan R.
I'm a lawyer and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. The community is improving and there's always something going on.
40 upvotes
Maya Allen
Hot take but I genuinely enjoy living here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 2 years here, that's my honest assessment.
37 upvotes
Roman Walker
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 1 years. Moved from Boston for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up significantly 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:**
legal is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is tough - we have state parks 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 surprisingly 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Limited public transit options. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
32 upvotes
Nora R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 51, moved here 2 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Eastside and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The public transit situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for families. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: 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 solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$100K 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.
24 upvotes
Robert
Hot take but there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. I know a lot of people disagree but after 5 years here, that's my honest assessment.
22 upvotes
Sofia Cook
I'm a chef and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. The community is tough and there's always something going on.
19 upvotes
chill_riley1
I've lived in Sunset for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Austin, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Active local events and festivals
- The pet-friendliness scene is decent
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for young professionals. Happy to answer more specific questions..
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