Been meaning to ask this. I'm a nurse at the local hospital and Median household income is $41,491, which feels on the lower side for the area. Rent is about $1,038/month for a decent place. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The weather takes some getting used to. Am I overthinking this?
24 upvotes
6 Replies
Madeline
Moved here from Pittsburgh about 12 years ago. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Still getting used to school system but No regrets on my end..
36 upvotes
samuel_life
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from Atlanta about 2 years ago. The main reasons were school and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Lots of new development happening
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are reasonable, gas is solid.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
33 upvotes
charlotte_caleb
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 12 years. Moved from San Francisco for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is challenging - 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. Westside schools are average. 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 high-paying job options. Far from beaches/mountains. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
18 upvotes
Cooper Price
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value healthcare, you'll love it. The traffic is genuinely underrated and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (West) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Houston, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability is completely different here. And Not a lot of cultural diversity.
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.
12 upvotes
Lily Y.
Moved here from Miami about 9 years ago. it's been a really good experience overall. Still getting used to walkability but It's not for everyone but it works for us..
2 upvotes
Aaron Wood
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Uptown for 6 years. Moved from New York for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2021 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. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is tough - 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. Uptown schools are average. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Bugs and humidity in summer. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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