So, I'm a college student here and You can expect to pay around $1,967 for rent here. Average temperature is around 76--F, so it's warm year-round. Homes are going for about $433,600 on average. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. What neighborhoods would you suggest? Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
6 upvotes
11 Replies
Ryan G.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in West for 9 years. Moved from Raleigh for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have state parks 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 underrated. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Not very walkable outside downtown. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 6/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
39 upvotes
Benjamin
literally same
18 upvotes
Bennett Bennett
Public transit is pretty good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I have mixed feelings honestly.
17 upvotes
Allison B.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 9 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Westside side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
14 upvotes
amelia_mama
Used to live on the The Heights side, now on the Oak Park side. Completely different vibe. I have mixed feelings honestly.
12 upvotes
Kayden King
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 10 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is nightlife. 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 rock climbing, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Sunset side vs the Meadowbrook side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
11 upvotes
Christian Williams
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.
9 upvotes
Ezra Rogers
yeah no that's not right
8 upvotes
Alexa Lewis
I work in engineering here and I love the pace of life here. The job market for my field is tough. Good luck with whatever you decide..
3 upvotes
Abigail M.
I work in hospitality here and I have mixed feelings honestly. The job market for my field is better than expected. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
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