Hi all, Just moved here 2 months ago and Median household income is $77,068, which feels about average for the area. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
12 upvotes
7 Replies
allison_fan
glad someone said it
40 upvotes
Stella F.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are surprisingly good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
37 upvotes
loving_isla68
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 53, moved here 3 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in North and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The dating scene situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for young professionals. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 Atlanta, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
35 upvotes
Allison Patel
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Phoenix about 8 years ago. The main reasons were school and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Decent public transit for the size
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are growing, gas is underrated.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Feel free to reach out with questions..
26 upvotes
Gloria C.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 12 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is nightlife. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Old Town side vs the Cedar Grove side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
23 upvotes
Gabriel Smith
I've lived in West for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from San Francisco, I was surprised by cost of living. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good healthcare facilities
- The weather scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for retirees. Definitely worth checking out..
9 upvotes
Roman Wood
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 Salt Lake City for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. education 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:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is pretty good - 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 challenging. 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. Nightlife is limited. Chain restaurants dominate. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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