Just moved here 5 months ago and It's a a smaller city city with about 26,475 people. You can expect to pay around $867 for rent here. Poverty rate is 13.8%, which is around average. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Should I be concerned? The city has invested a lot in new development. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The city has invested a lot in new development. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
6 upvotes
4 Replies
Jacob Garcia
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from San Diego about 8 years ago. The main reasons were work and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good airport with direct flights
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are growing, gas is pretty good.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. No regrets on my end..
39 upvotes
Jose 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 15 years. Moved from San Diego for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. hospitality 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 genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is challenging - 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 excellent. 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. Urban sprawl is real. Chain restaurants dominate. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 6/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
39 upvotes
Maya Smith
couldn't agree more
38 upvotes
Delilah James
I'm a nurse and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. The community is surprisingly good and there's always something going on.
All Countries
