Not sure if this has been asked before, but I'm a remote worker and The unemployment rate is 2.4%, which is pretty low. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Worth the trade-offs? It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The weather takes some getting used to. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
13 upvotes
11 Replies
Jaxon Smith
The food scene here is hit or miss. Tons of great Southern places. the quality of life is solid.
31 upvotes
Jose Davis
I've been living here for 2 years and I'd say it's improved dramatically in recent years. The school system is challenging compared to other places I've lived. Overall Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
30 upvotes
Ezra M.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 8 years ago from Nashville and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Downtown. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in legal. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 4 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like sushi.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
29 upvotes
Willow N.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 55, moved here 5 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Downtown and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The community vibe situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for young professionals. improving vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 Baltimore, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$150K 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.
21 upvotes
Kayden Roberts
My experience has been mostly positive. it's been a really good experience overall. The only thing I'd watch out for is school system. Other than that, Feel free to reach out with questions..
20 upvotes
Gabriella A.
I've been living here for 11 years and I'd say I have mixed feelings honestly. The housing market is better than expected compared to other places I've lived. Overall Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
14 upvotes
Maverick Johnson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in West for 14 years. Moved from Portland for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - 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. West schools are better than expected. 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. Limited public transit options. Limited high-paying job options. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 9/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
9 upvotes
David
Totally agree!
8 upvotes
Emily O.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 7 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Maple Ridge side vs the Pine Hills side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
7 upvotes
Ruby Roberts
literally same
5 upvotes
Julie M.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's not perfect but it works for me. Feel free to reach out with questions..
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