Public transit is tough here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's exactly what I was looking for.
32 upvotes
raised_christian21
Totally agree!
29 upvotes
Paisley Miller
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 12 years. Moved from Seattle for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2024 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. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. South schools are underrated. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Limited entertainment options. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
23 upvotes
Elijah Thompson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from Dallas about 3 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Good internet infrastructure
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Bugs and humidity in summer
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are stable, gas is solid.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Good luck with whatever you decide..
22 upvotes
loving_mia60
Came here for a job opportunity and stayed because it was the best decision I ever made. The public transit is honestly pretty good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
16 upvotes
Ruby S.
I've lived in Westside for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Portland, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good healthcare facilities
- The safety scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for families. Definitely worth checking out..
13 upvotes
Luna Roberts
Weather-wise, the summers are hit or miss and winters are established. You get used to it after the first year.