Hey, Just moved here 13 months ago and The median home value here is around $465,000, which is pretty steep. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
43 upvotes
22 Replies
Kevin W.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 3 years. Moved from Dallas for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2022 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. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have hiking trails 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 better than expected. 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. Homeless population growing downtown. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
39 upvotes
Parker Collins
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 12 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Pine Hills side vs the Fairview side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
34 upvotes
Rebecca S.
I work in education here and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The job market for my field is solid. No regrets on my end..
31 upvotes
bostonmama2026
Totally agree!
30 upvotes
Declan Castillo
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 1 years ago from Houston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in North. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in legal. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 11 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like Thai.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
26 upvotes
Quinn Foster
As someone who grew up here, it's not perfect but it works for me. A lot has changed in the past few years though. healthcare used to be much developing but now it's surprisingly good.
25 upvotes
nyc_declan
Hot take but it was the best decision I ever made. I know a lot of people disagree but after 7 years here, that's my honest assessment.
25 upvotes
Walter R.
yep
23 upvotes
Cameron Allen
it depends on the neighborhood
20 upvotes
Skylar Reyes
As someone who grew up here, the quality of life is solid. A lot has changed in the past few years though. outdoor recreation used to be much competitive but now it's average.
17 upvotes
Elena Gonzalez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Salt Lake City about 15 years ago. The main reasons were family and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Strong job market in several industries
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are competitive, gas is tough.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Hope this helps!.
17 upvotes
Piper
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 44, moved here 5 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in Eastside and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Affordable housing options
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The cultural scene situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for retirees. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 Charlotte, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $50K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
16 upvotes
Jameson L.
Bought a house here in 2020 and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
13 upvotes
Clara P.
literally same
13 upvotes
Samuel Lopez
I've been living here for 11 years and I'd say the quality of life is solid. The walkability is underrated compared to other places I've lived. Overall Happy to answer more specific questions..
11 upvotes
Eleanor Richardson
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 11 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Cedar Grove side vs the South side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
9 upvotes
Jordan Johnson
Weather-wise, the summers are challenging and winters are developing. You get used to it after the first year.
9 upvotes
Cora White
it depends on the neighborhood
8 upvotes
Chloe
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Charlotte about 15 years ago. The main reasons were family and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Four distinct seasons
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are reasonable, gas is underrated.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Good luck with whatever you decide..
3 upvotes
Olivia Howard
We moved here with our family and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Schools in Midtown area are underrated. Kids love it here.
2 upvotes
Robert Diaz
thanks for sharing
2 upvotes
Kennedy G.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is walkability. I genuinely enjoy living here. Worth doing your research before committing.
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