We're a young couple and The median home value here is around $79,100, which is actually reasonable. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Does this match your experience? Property taxes are high but you get good services. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
6 upvotes
5 Replies
Naomi
The food scene here is solid. Tons of great Korean places. I love the pace of life here.
38 upvotes
Mackenzie Hughes
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in West for 15 years. Moved from Nashville for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is excellent - 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 excellent. 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. Limited public transit options. Urban sprawl is real. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 7/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
32 upvotes
Mackenzie Turner
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 15 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The West side vs the Uptown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.