Been living here since 2011. Crime rate is something to consider -Canton sits at 143.2 per 100K.
9 upvotes
10 Replies
Piper Ramos
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 2 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into running, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The North side vs the Riverside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
38 upvotes
Vivian Thomas
I've lived in Westside for about 9 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 Seattle, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Strong job market in several industries
- The healthcare scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for retirees. Good luck with whatever you decide..
36 upvotes
Sarah Watson
Public transit is challenging here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
33 upvotes
Thomas Turner
Weather-wise, the summers are surprisingly good and winters are competitive. You get used to it after the first year.
23 upvotes
Evan O.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value community vibe, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely challenging and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (Springfield) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Houston, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit is completely different here. And Dating scene is rough.
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.
21 upvotes
Ella P.
it depends on the neighborhood
12 upvotes
Everly C.
yeah no that's not right
10 upvotes
Jack Cox
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in West for 2 years. Moved from San Francisco for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is challenging - 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 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. Limited public transit options. Chain restaurants dominate. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 9/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.