Hey folks, I grew up here but left for a while. You can expect to pay around $2,804 for rent here. Poverty rate is 2.0%, which is pretty low. The city has invested a lot in new development. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Thoughts? Thanks in advance! The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
18 upvotes
13 Replies
Isabella
Saving this thread
40 upvotes
Naomi R.
Weather-wise, the summers are surprisingly good and winters are affordable. You get used to it after the first year.
38 upvotes
Alexa S.
great question, following
37 upvotes
sd_victoria
accurate
36 upvotes
vegasdude2022
hard disagree but ok
35 upvotes
Mark R.
Moved here last year, no regrets.
30 upvotes
Eleanor Gonzalez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 1 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Meadowbrook side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
29 upvotes
Zoe P.
been saying this for years
25 upvotes
Isabella Castillo
Weather-wise, the summers are better than expected and winters are wild. You get used to it after the first year.
22 upvotes
loving_hudson31
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is pet-friendliness. it was the best decision I ever made. Worth doing your research before committing.
16 upvotes
Weston Bennett
Weather-wise, the summers are pretty good and winters are pricey. You get used to it after the first year.
15 upvotes
Rylee Alvarez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from Portland about 15 years ago. The main reasons were school and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Four distinct seasons
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Limited shopping options
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are growing, gas is underrated.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Definitely worth checking out..
8 upvotes
Ezekiel Jackson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 11 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - 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 hit or miss. 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. Winters are long and cold. Rising rent and home prices. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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