Hello, I'm single, late 30s, and It's a a small town city with about 12,589 people. Average temperature is around 67--F, so the weather is moderate. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The weather takes some getting used to. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
1 upvotes
4 Replies
Matthew
I work in legal here and I love the pace of life here. The job market for my field is decent. Good luck with whatever you decide..
28 upvotes
Addison Clark
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 15 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the The Heights side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
26 upvotes
Kelly T.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in West for 4 years. Moved from Minneapolis for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - 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 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Limited public transit options. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 7/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
9 upvotes
Scarlett Williams
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 56, moved here 9 years ago from Portland. I've lived in South and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The weather situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for singles. decent vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 Portland, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
All Countries
