Anyone else feel this way? I'm a college student here and Rent is about $1,882/month for a decent place. Crime rate is something to consider -Deer Park sits at 22.0 per 100K. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
9 upvotes
11 Replies
Xavier Parker
I've been living here for 1 years and I'd say I genuinely enjoy living here. The pet-friendliness is tough compared to other places I've lived. Overall Happy to answer more specific questions..
40 upvotes
Lucas King
haha yep pretty much
39 upvotes
Sandra S.
not my experience at all
38 upvotes
Jameson Miller
Bought a house here in 2018 and it was the best decision I ever made. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
33 upvotes
Liam R.
This.
28 upvotes
Elena Martin
I've lived in Westside for about 10 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 Boston, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The walkability scene is improving
The downsides:
- Property taxes are high
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for couples. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
18 upvotes
Jacob Garcia
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from Miami about 3 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good schools in most areas
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are competitive, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Happy to answer more specific questions..
15 upvotes
Zachary H.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value dating scene, you'll love it. The public transit is genuinely improving and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (West) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Phoenix, be prepared for the culture shock. traffic is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
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.
14 upvotes
Amelia Edwards
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 55, moved here 9 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Uptown and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Four distinct seasons
2. Strong sense of community
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Nightlife is limited
3. The healthcare situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for families. average vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 Seattle, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $100K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
14 upvotes
Luna M.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, the quality of life is solid. No regrets on my end..
10 upvotes
Aria G.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from Charlotte and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Eastside. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 4 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like Southern.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..