I grew up here but left for a while. Median household income is $72,220, which feels about average for the area. Rent is about $1,859/month for a decent place. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The city has invested a lot in new development.
22 upvotes
19 Replies
Naomi Castillo
been saying this for years
40 upvotes
Dylan B.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 1 years ago from Miami and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Oak Park. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in finance. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 17 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like Asian.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
37 upvotes
Chloe Smith
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 Charlotte for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2024 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. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. finance 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:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is average - 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 average. 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. Urban sprawl is real. Dating scene is rough. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
36 upvotes
Joseph C.
I've lived in Westside for about 1 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 Pittsburgh, I was surprised by cost of living. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Strong job market in several industries
- The dating scene scene is improving
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Limited high-paying job options
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for families. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
35 upvotes
Camila Chavez
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Hope this helps!.
31 upvotes
Wesley Bailey
We moved here with our family and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Schools in West area are challenging. Kids love it here.
28 upvotes
Isla Lewis
hmm interesting perspective
28 upvotes
Connor Lewis
it depends on the neighborhood
26 upvotes
Roman R.
hmm interesting perspective
24 upvotes
Wesley Foster
Moved here from Denver about 4 years ago. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Still getting used to cost of living but Definitely worth checking out..
21 upvotes
Eliana Harris
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want cost of living, then yeah this place is great. But if cost of living matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
20 upvotes
Emily Rivera
interesting, hadn't considered that
20 upvotes
Daniel J.
thanks for sharing
17 upvotes
Jameson Richardson
Moved here from Houston about 13 years ago. it's exactly what I was looking for. Still getting used to school system but It's not for everyone but it works for us..
13 upvotes
Victoria Castillo
I've lived in East for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Phoenix, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Decent public transit for the size
- The community vibe scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Limited shopping options
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for remote workers. Definitely worth checking out..
10 upvotes
Allison Hernandez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 45, moved here 8 years ago from New York. I've lived in Maple Ridge and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Can feel isolated
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The traffic situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for young professionals. underrated vibes, walkable.
- East: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from New York, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $50K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
9 upvotes
Lily R.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Internet is pretty good in most areas.
7 upvotes
Eli C.
Came here for quality of life and stayed because I genuinely enjoy living here. The public transit is honestly tough and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
5 upvotes
Samuel P.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value community vibe, you'll love it. The outdoor recreation is genuinely average and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (Lakewood) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Pittsburgh, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation 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.
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