Been living here since 2005. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. What would you do? Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
0 upvotes
6 Replies
stlsoul2024
Weather-wise, the summers are pretty good and winters are established. You get used to it after the first year.
40 upvotes
Adam
spot on
39 upvotes
Ariana
nah I disagree
35 upvotes
grace_runner
Weather-wise, the summers are average and winters are pricey. You get used to it after the first year.
25 upvotes
Jonathan Price
As someone who grew up here, the quality of life is solid. A lot has changed in the past few years though. safety used to be much reasonable but now it's tough.
25 upvotes
Maya Rivera
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in West for 8 years. Moved from Atlanta for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2016 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. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is average - we have mountains 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 excellent. 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. Urban sprawl is real. Can feel isolated. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 7/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.