Been meaning to ask this. My family moved here when I was a kid. You can expect to pay around $795 for rent here. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Worth the trade-offs?
3 upvotes
12 Replies
Willow Young
Weather-wise, the summers are improving and winters are established. You get used to it after the first year.
38 upvotes
Jaxon Morgan
I've been living here for 2 years and I'd say I have mixed feelings honestly. The community vibe is decent compared to other places I've lived. Overall No regrets on my end..
37 upvotes
Wayne R.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 5 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. hospitality 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:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is average - we have national forests 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 better than expected. 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. Homeless population growing downtown. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 6/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
30 upvotes
Xavier Mendoza
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are hit or miss, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
28 upvotes
Aurora Robinson
thanks for sharing
28 upvotes
Isabella M.
wish I knew this sooner
27 upvotes
Adeline A.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value public transit, you'll love it. The safety is genuinely decent and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (Oak Park) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Phoenix, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour 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.
27 upvotes
Serenity Peterson
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are better than expected, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
24 upvotes
Jacob Myers
Used to live on the Eastside side, now on the Westside side. Completely different vibe. it was the best decision I ever made.
19 upvotes
Caroline Bailey
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from Charlotte about 3 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good schools in most areas
- Lots of new development happening
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are reasonable, gas is underrated.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. No regrets on my end..
11 upvotes
Eli King
Can confirm, been here 8 years.
6 upvotes
Luca King
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 49, moved here 9 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in Eastside and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The walkability situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for families. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 Charlotte, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
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