Curious what people think. Been living here since 2013. Poverty rate is 8.8%, which is pretty low. The weather takes some getting used to. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Let me know your thoughts.
1 upvotes
9 Replies
Paisley N.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 9 years. Moved from Atlanta for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2019 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. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. tech 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 genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have desert landscapes 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 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Bugs and humidity in summer. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
31 upvotes
Cameron
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 29, moved here 10 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in North and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Close to major attractions
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The outdoor recreation situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for young professionals. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 Baltimore, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $100K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
30 upvotes
Lily
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 49, moved here 4 years ago from Denver. I've lived in Midtown and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Good healthcare facilities
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The housing market situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for retirees. underrated vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 Denver, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$70K 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.
30 upvotes
Michael Ross
Moved here from Pittsburgh about 7 years ago. I have mixed feelings honestly. Still getting used to dating scene but Definitely worth checking out..
22 upvotes
Silas Torres
I work in consulting here and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The job market for my field is hit or miss. Definitely worth checking out..
17 upvotes
raised_christian21
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 58, moved here 12 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Affordable housing options
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The food scene situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for remote workers. solid vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 Boston, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with 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.
13 upvotes
Mia Davis
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value dating scene, you'll love it. The traffic is genuinely challenging and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Highland) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Atlanta, be prepared for the culture shock. dating scene is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
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.
5 upvotes
Theodore M.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is safety. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Worth doing your research before committing.
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