So, I relocated for work and Rent is about $1,117/month for a decent place. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The food scene here is surprisingly good. What are your go-to spots? Thanks in advance! It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
2 upvotes
13 Replies
Jacob Gray
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from San Diego about 13 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good schools in most areas
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are growing, gas is excellent.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Definitely worth checking out..
33 upvotes
James Gomez
great question, following
32 upvotes
Lily Morris
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 8 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Old Town side vs the Cedar Grove side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
28 upvotes
Addison J.
Used to live on the Highland side, now on the West side. Completely different vibe. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
22 upvotes
Brooks
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Compared to LA it's excellent.
21 upvotes
Melanie P.
Public transit is average here. You'll probably need a car for most things. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
19 upvotes
Anna Reyes
I'm a contractor and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. The community is average and there's always something going on.
17 upvotes
Joyce C.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in West for 12 years. Moved from Denver for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2016 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. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have national forests 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 tough. 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. Urban sprawl is real. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 9/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
16 upvotes
Parker P.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 4 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Sunset side vs the North side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
15 upvotes
Aurora Ortiz
Totally agree!
11 upvotes
Camila Gutierrez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a teacher who relocated here from Houston about 6 years ago. The main reasons were school and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Close to major attractions
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Property taxes are high
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are reasonable, gas is pretty good.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Good luck with whatever you decide..
8 upvotes
Elena R.
We moved here with our family and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Schools in Highland area are solid. Kids love it here.
4 upvotes
Evelyn Cox
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want nightlife, then yeah this place is great. But if walkability matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
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