Random thought, I'm retired and The unemployment rate is 3.7%, which is pretty low. Median household income is $51,090, which feels on the lower side for the area. Rent is about $1,557/month for a decent place. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The suburbs are where most families end up. Would love some local perspective. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The city has invested a lot in new development.
8 upvotes
3 Replies
dallas_declan
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 3 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into running, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Lakewood side vs the North side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
14 upvotes
Sarah Sanders
been saying this for years
11 upvotes
tucson_camila
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in West for 11 years. Moved from Boston for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is improving - we have biking trails 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 challenging. 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. Limited entertainment options. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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