Hello, I'm a remote worker and You can expect to pay around $2,103 for rent here. Median household income is $120,368, which feels pretty solid for the area. Rent is about $2,103/month for a decent place. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Should I be concerned? Thanks for reading. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The weather takes some getting used to. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
25 upvotes
13 Replies
Leah Morgan
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's been a really good experience overall. No regrets on my end..
35 upvotes
Jesse A.
Moved here from LA about 15 years ago. the quality of life is solid. Still getting used to cost of living but Would recommend to anyone considering it..
34 upvotes
Claire Clark
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 32, moved here 12 years ago from LA. I've lived in Greenfield and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Can feel isolated
3. The pet-friendliness situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for remote workers. solid vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 LA, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $100K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
31 upvotes
Isaac Clark
this is the way
30 upvotes
Willow R.
interesting, hadn't considered that
29 upvotes
happy_angel67
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value traffic, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely hit or miss and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (Oak Park) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Austin, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Chain restaurants dominate.
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.
29 upvotes
Vivian Thomas
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in West for 6 years. Moved from Chicago for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. hospitality 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:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is solid - 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 surprisingly good. 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. Far from beaches/mountains. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
18 upvotes
Jaxon Hill
We moved here with our family and I love the pace of life here. Schools in Lakewood area are excellent. Kids love it here.
13 upvotes
Aaliyah Myers
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.
10 upvotes
Eleanor Williams
I've lived in Old Town for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Dallas, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Strong job market in several industries
- The job market scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for couples. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
4 upvotes
Silas Thompson
underrated comment
2 upvotes
Levi Lee
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 39, moved here 14 years ago from New York. I've lived in Highland and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Can feel isolated
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The traffic situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for remote workers. improving vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: 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 solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$130K 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.
0 upvotes
Ella
I've been living here for 9 years and I'd say it was the best decision I ever made. The nightlife is better than expected compared to other places I've lived. Overall Feel free to reach out with questions..
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