Poverty rate is 8.4%, which is pretty low. The median home value here is around $287,600, which seems about average. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. What do you all think?
26 upvotes
17 Replies
Autumn Allen
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 7 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The South side vs the Westside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
40 upvotes
Austin Foster
100%
37 upvotes
Elena R.
thanks for sharing
33 upvotes
Natalie Campbell
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 9 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is community vibe. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into running, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Lakewood side vs the North side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
33 upvotes
Emilia Sanchez
Bought a house here in 2022 and I genuinely enjoy living here. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
32 upvotes
Gianna Murphy
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 15 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The West side vs the Pine Hills side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
28 upvotes
Addison Howard
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The school system is genuinely pretty good and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (Old Town) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Raleigh, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Road conditions need improvement.
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.
25 upvotes
Emilia White
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 8 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Old Town side vs the Highland side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
24 upvotes
Judy T.
wish I knew this sooner
22 upvotes
Aurora Morales
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want weather, then yeah this place is great. But if public transit matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
19 upvotes
Harper Mendoza
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Midtown for 8 years. Moved from Charlotte for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up a bit 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:**
education is strong here. healthcare 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:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Midtown schools are hit or miss. 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. Nightlife is limited. Bugs and humidity in summer. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 7/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
17 upvotes
tampa_wyatt
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The public transit is genuinely hit or miss and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (South) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Houston, be prepared for the culture shock. dating scene is completely different here. And Property taxes are high.
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.
14 upvotes
Lucas Thomas
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 42, moved here 5 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in Old Town and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The job market situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for couples. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Charlotte, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $100K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
9 upvotes
Willow
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in West for 8 years. Moved from Houston for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. legal 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's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is solid - we have beaches 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 surprisingly good. 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. Winters are long and cold. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 6/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
8 upvotes
Miles Rodriguez
glad someone said it
6 upvotes
Robert Robinson
glad someone said it
5 upvotes
Austin R.
My experience has been mostly positive. it's exactly what I was looking for. The only thing I'd watch out for is job market. Other than that, No regrets on my end..
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