Hello, I work in real estate and Homes are going for about $255,900 on average. Median household income is $93,073, which feels pretty solid for the area. The suburbs are where most families end up. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. What neighborhoods would you suggest? It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
27 upvotes
7 Replies
Nova Bailey
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The nightlife is genuinely better than expected and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (Riverside) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Nashville, be prepared for the culture shock. cultural scene is completely different here. And Limited shopping options.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
30 upvotes
Declan Murphy
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 Raleigh for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is improving - 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. West 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Far from beaches/mountains. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
29 upvotes
Sarah H.
I'm a teacher and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The community is decent and there's always something going on.
26 upvotes
Levi Foster
yep
14 upvotes
Henry Rivera
good to know, thanks
9 upvotes
Kennedy Parker
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. food scene used to be much affordable but now it's surprisingly good.
4 upvotes
Gianna James
Moved here from Austin about 5 years ago. it exceeded my expectations. Still getting used to cost of living but It's not for everyone but it works for us..
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