Hi all, Crime rate is something to consider -Hollis sits at 323.3 per 100K.
2 upvotes
7 Replies
Easton
haha yep pretty much
35 upvotes
Danielle R.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are underrated, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
25 upvotes
Isaac White
nah I disagree
14 upvotes
Zoe Cook
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Chicago about 14 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Dating scene is rough
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are stable, gas is improving.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
11 upvotes
Brooks Perez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in West for 14 years. Moved from Austin for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. engineering 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:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is challenging - 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. West 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Dating scene is rough. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
5 upvotes
jeremiah_native
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 9 years ago from Nashville and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Sunset. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in construction. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 12 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like sushi.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..