Not sure if this has been asked before, but I'm a remote worker and Average temperature is around 55--F, so expect cold winters. Crime rate is something to consider -Manhattan sits at 813.0 per 100K. Homes are going for about $243,700 on average. The weather takes some getting used to. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. What would you do? There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The suburbs are where most families end up.
0 upvotes
6 Replies
Gabriella R.
Public transit is underrated here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I genuinely enjoy living here.
39 upvotes
austindude2024
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want outdoor recreation, then yeah this place is great. But if walkability matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
23 upvotes
Karen R.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 13 years ago from San Francisco and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Oak Park. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in marketing. If you're in engineering you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 8 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like Mexican.
No regrets on my end..
21 upvotes
mesafan2024
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 11 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Downtown side vs the Sunset side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
20 upvotes
Levi G.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in West for 10 years. Moved from Baltimore for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-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 stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is solid - 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. West schools are pretty 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Homeless population growing downtown. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 5/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
18 upvotes
Zoe
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from Houston about 3 years ago. The main reasons were family and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good airport with direct flights
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are manageable, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Happy to answer more specific questions..
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