Longtime lurker here, I'm a remote worker and The median home value here i
10 upvotes
10 Replies
Luke Martinez
glad someone said it
37 upvotes
Ruby B.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 7 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Midtown side vs the Lakewood side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
37 upvotes
native_adeline64
The food scene here is improving. Tons of great Vietnamese places. it's exactly what I was looking for.
27 upvotes
Alexander
Hot take but it exceeded my expectations. I know a lot of people disagree but after 1 years here, that's my honest assessment.
26 upvotes
Landon Smith
Public transit is excellent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
20 upvotes
Bella Miller
been saying this for years
19 upvotes
Aaron C.
noted, appreciate it
8 upvotes
Victoria R.
As someone who grew up here, it's not perfect but it works for me. A lot has changed in the past few years though. nightlife used to be much stable but now it's solid.
4 upvotes
Emilia Ramos
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in West for 5 years. Moved from LA for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2021 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:**
engineering is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - 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. 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. Urban sprawl is real. Chain restaurants dominate. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
3 upvotes
Noah Lewis
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 31, moved here 2 years ago from New York. I've lived in West and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Low crime in most neighborhoods
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Limited shopping options
3. The community vibe situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for couples. solid vibes, walkable.
- Sunset: 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 New York, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.