Hey folks, Military spouse here. Poverty rate is 7.8%, which is pretty low. Homes are going for about $325,700 on average. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The city has invested a lot in new development. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
5 upvotes
7 Replies
Catherine P.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 5 years ago from Houston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Old Town. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in manufacturing. If you're in manufacturing you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like Korean.
Definitely worth checking out..
40 upvotes
Katherine Morales
I've lived in West for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Dallas, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Active local events and festivals
- The job market scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Limited shopping options
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for singles. Happy to answer more specific questions..
28 upvotes
aubrey_mind
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 13 years. Moved from Seattle for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have rivers 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 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. Nightlife is limited. Bugs and humidity in summer. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
26 upvotes
Abigail Ramos
following this thread
25 upvotes
Elizabeth Jackson
Moved here last year, no regrets.
25 upvotes
Kayla O.
Bought a house here in 2016 and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
14 upvotes
Alexa James
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it was the best decision I ever made. Feel free to reach out with questions..
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