Not sure if this has been asked before, but Homes are going for about $672,000 on average. Average temperature is around 54--F, so expect cold winters. You can expect to pay around $2,189 for rent here. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. What are your go-to spots? Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
24 upvotes
17 Replies
true_evan13
I've lived in West for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Chicago, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good internet infrastructure
- The cost of living scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for retirees. Definitely worth checking out..
37 upvotes
Everett Taylor
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Compared to Baltimore it's improving.
36 upvotes
Hudson Rogers
exactly what I was thinking
33 upvotes
Serenity S.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Phoenix about 12 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good healthcare facilities
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are competitive, gas is excellent.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Feel free to reach out with questions..
30 upvotes
Silas Green
We moved here with our family and I love the pace of life here. Schools in Maple Ridge area are better than expected. Kids love it here.
28 upvotes
Elijah Cruz
Came here for a job opportunity and stayed because there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The public transit is honestly surprisingly good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
24 upvotes
Landon C.
big facts right here
22 upvotes
Joshua O.
Came here for family and stayed because I genuinely enjoy living here. The pet-friendliness is honestly average and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
21 upvotes
Aria Foster
We moved here with our family and I have mixed feelings honestly. Schools in Old Town area are average. Kids love it here.
14 upvotes
Ellie Moore
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 29, moved here 15 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Sunset and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Homeless population growing downtown
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The dating scene situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for retirees. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 Chicago, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $70K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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
Elijah C.
This.
10 upvotes
Patricia T.
it depends on the neighborhood
8 upvotes
Ella Allen
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Compared to Tampa it's pretty good.
7 upvotes
Jaxon Ruiz
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it exceeded my expectations. Internet is hit or miss in most areas.
6 upvotes
Declan Morgan
Moved here from Seattle about 10 years ago. the quality of life is solid. Still getting used to safety but Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
3 upvotes
Waylon R.
I'm a real estate agent and I've found the quality of life is solid. The community is average and there's always something going on.
1 upvotes
Bella Jones
I've lived in West for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Miami, I was surprised by safety. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Active local events and festivals
- The pet-friendliness scene is solid
The downsides:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for couples. No regrets on my end..
All Countries
