I'm a teacher here and It's a a smaller city city with about 93,523 people. Homes are going for about $645,600 on average. The median home value here is around $645,600, which is pretty steep. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Has anyone dealt with this? Any help is appreciated. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The weather takes some getting used to. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
8 upvotes
3 Replies
Emma Howard
as a local I can confirm
28 upvotes
Mackenzie Murphy
Moved here last year, no regrets.
25 upvotes
Ellie C.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in West for 15 years. Moved from Phoenix for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is solid - we have desert landscapes 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 excellent. 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. Homeless population growing downtown. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.