Hey, I'm single, late 50s, and It's a a small town city with about 1,185 people. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
5 upvotes
12 Replies
Olivia
Hot take but the quality of life is solid. I know a lot of people disagree but after 4 years here, that's my honest assessment.
39 upvotes
Waylon
Came here for family and stayed because I'm still on the fence after all this time. The food scene is honestly better than expected and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
31 upvotes
urban_emma8
hard disagree but ok
29 upvotes
Kai Mendoza
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are excellent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
21 upvotes
Addison Anderson
Came here for family and stayed because it was the best decision I ever made. The job market is honestly surprisingly good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
20 upvotes
Valentina Kim
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 5 years. Moved from Denver for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. 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. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. healthcare 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 wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is solid - we have beaches 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 decent. 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. Road conditions need improvement. Bugs and humidity in summer. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 5/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
18 upvotes
Grayson
Weather-wise, the summers are pretty good and winters are stable. You get used to it after the first year.
17 upvotes
Harper R.
Public transit is surprisingly good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I have mixed feelings honestly.
10 upvotes
Isla Harris
We moved here with our family and it's not perfect but it works for me. Schools in Fairview area are pretty good. Kids love it here.
7 upvotes
melanie_local
noted, appreciate it
2 upvotes
Emmett Morris
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 50, moved here 2 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Riverside and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Rising rent and home prices
3. The safety situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for remote workers. decent vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $90K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
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