Curious what people think. I grew up here but left for a while. The median home value here is around $278,400, which seems about average. Rent is about $1,112/month for a decent place. Crime rate is something to consider -Hickory Hills sits at 152.1 per 100K. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Worth the trade-offs? Property taxes are high but you get good services. The suburbs are where most families end up. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
14 upvotes
11 Replies
Betty P.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 11 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Eastside side vs the Sunset side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
40 upvotes
Carter Sanders
My experience has been mostly positive. I'm still on the fence after all this time. The only thing I'd watch out for is weather. Other than that, No regrets on my end..
39 upvotes
Joseph
hard disagree but ok
34 upvotes
omahafan2023
Moved here from Austin about 13 years ago. it exceeded my expectations. Still getting used to cost of living but Hope this helps!.
19 upvotes
Adrian Ward
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value housing market, you'll love it. The dating scene is genuinely pretty good and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (South) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Charlotte, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
18 upvotes
Nova King
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are tough, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
15 upvotes
Tyler W.
Can confirm, been here 15 years.
12 upvotes
Leonardo Castillo
this is the way
6 upvotes
James T.
been saying this for years
6 upvotes
quinn_life
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in West for 3 years. Moved from Nashville for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. 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 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Road conditions need improvement. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 6/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
6 upvotes
Josiah K.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. I genuinely enjoy living here. Compared to Dallas it's hit or miss.
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