Longtime lurker here, I'm retired and Homes are going for about $604,100 on average. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Does this match your experience? Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
27 upvotes
7 Replies
Gabriella C.
Came here for a job opportunity and stayed because it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor recreation is honestly improving and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
36 upvotes
Arianna Hill
lol so true
23 upvotes
Gabriel Walker
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 1 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is nightlife. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into running, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Maple Ridge side vs the Pine Hills side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
20 upvotes
Kimberly J.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 9 years. Moved from Charlotte for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have rivers 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 decent. 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 a lot of cultural diversity. Can feel isolated. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
16 upvotes
Hailey Sanders
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Compared to New York it's better than expected.
13 upvotes
Jacob M.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 11 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Eastside side vs the East side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
All Countries
