Hello, I'm a teacher here and Homes are going for about $235,800 on average. The unemployment rate is 1.4%, which is pretty low. Rent is about $1,143/month for a decent place. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Anyone in a similar situation? Cheers. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
19 upvotes
3 Replies
Ethan Lee
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Chicago about 1 years ago. The main reasons were school and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Active local events and festivals
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are affordable, gas is pretty good.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Feel free to reach out with questions..
27 upvotes
Kennedy M.
I've lived in West for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Phoenix, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Active local events and festivals
- Four distinct seasons
- The food scene scene is improving
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for couples. Good luck with whatever you decide..
27 upvotes
Elizabeth H.
We moved here with our family and I have mixed feelings honestly. Schools in Greenfield area are decent. Kids love it here.