Not sure if this has been asked before, but I grew up here but left for a while. The median home value here is around $282,900, which seems about average. Homes are going for about $282,900 on average. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Anyone in a similar situation? Thanks! Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
24 upvotes
25 Replies
Isaac T.
big facts right here
39 upvotes
Michael Richardson
As someone who grew up here, I have mixed feelings honestly. A lot has changed in the past few years though. housing market used to be much wild but now it's challenging.
38 upvotes
Violet R.
The food scene here is improving. Tons of great Mexican places. I have mixed feelings honestly.
35 upvotes
Michael Murphy
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 5 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The North side vs the South side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
35 upvotes
Chloe Sanchez
literally same
31 upvotes
Axel R.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is community vibe. I genuinely enjoy living here. Worth doing your research before committing.
30 upvotes
Everett B.
As someone who grew up here, it's been a really good experience overall. A lot has changed in the past few years though. walkability used to be much competitive but now it's pretty good.
26 upvotes
rylee_vibes
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in West for 13 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. 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 1-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. consulting 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:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is decent - we have hiking trails 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 tough. 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 high-paying job options. Homeless population growing downtown. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
25 upvotes
Emma Howard
same here
19 upvotes
Caroline N.
I've been living here for 14 years and I'd say the quality of life is solid. The healthcare is surprisingly good compared to other places I've lived. Overall Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
18 upvotes
Connor Scott
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 8 years ago from Dallas and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Downtown. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in marketing. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 13 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like Southern.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
17 upvotes
Silas W.
Weather-wise, the summers are surprisingly good and winters are manageable. You get used to it after the first year.
14 upvotes
Evan
spot on
13 upvotes
Miles C.
facts
12 upvotes
philly_asher
Used to live on the Uptown side, now on the Lakewood side. Completely different vibe. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
12 upvotes
denver_carson
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's not perfect but it works for me. Internet is surprisingly good in most areas.
11 upvotes
Joseph R.
I work in tech here and I genuinely enjoy living here. The job market for my field is better than expected. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
10 upvotes
Brooklyn J.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 2 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into running, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Greenfield side vs the East side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
9 upvotes
orlandomind2023
I've lived in Riverside for about 7 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from Denver, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- The public transit scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Property taxes are high
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for young professionals. Hope this helps!.
8 upvotes
Anna Jackson
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. it exceeded my expectations. Compared to San Diego it's challenging.
5 upvotes
Violet R.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 5 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The North side vs the Maple Ridge side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
4 upvotes
Elena Lewis
I've been living here for 4 years and I'd say it was the best decision I ever made. The pet-friendliness is surprisingly good compared to other places I've lived. Overall No regrets on my end..
4 upvotes
Nora Wilson
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 8 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Westside side vs the East side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
1 upvotes
Robert Peterson
My experience has been mostly positive. I have mixed feelings honestly. The only thing I'd watch out for is traffic. Other than that, Happy to answer more specific questions..
0 upvotes
Logan T.
Hot take but it's not perfect but it works for me. I know a lot of people disagree but after 14 years here, that's my honest assessment.
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