We have two kids and The median home value here is around $92,700, which is actually reasonable. It's a a small town city with about 1,119 people. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The city has invested a lot in new development. Let me know your thoughts. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The suburbs are where most families end up. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The suburbs are where most families end up. The suburbs are where most families end up. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
12 upvotes
3 Replies
Carter Gomez
wish I knew this sooner
37 upvotes
Isaiah Myers
I've lived in West for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from San Francisco, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Active local events and festivals
- The outdoor recreation scene is average
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for retirees. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
21 upvotes
Carson Gutierrez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 9 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is community vibe. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Springfield side vs the Eastside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..