Anyone else feel this way? We're a young couple and Rent is about $1,077/month for a decent place. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Should I be concerned? Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
12 upvotes
12 Replies
Ava Nelson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 11 years. Moved from Tampa for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. 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 4-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is average - 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 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. Rising rent and home prices. Urban sprawl is real. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
40 upvotes
Christian Sanders
Bought a house here in 2022 and it's not perfect but it works for me. Property values have gone about the same since then.
40 upvotes
Delilah H.
hard disagree but ok
38 upvotes
audrey_mind
My experience has been mostly positive. I have mixed feelings honestly. The only thing I'd watch out for is weather. Other than that, It's not for everyone but it works for us..
22 upvotes
Victoria Hill
I'm a project manager and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. The community is surprisingly good and there's always something going on.
18 upvotes
Jeremiah
Hot take but it exceeded my expectations. I know a lot of people disagree but after 7 years here, that's my honest assessment.
16 upvotes
Savannah James
We moved here with our family and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Schools in Springfield area are tough. Kids love it here.
13 upvotes
oaklandlocal2026
accurate
12 upvotes
Austin Mendoza
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Compared to San Diego it's surprisingly good.
10 upvotes
Jose Ortiz
I've lived in West for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from Denver, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Lots of new development happening
- Four distinct seasons
- The pet-friendliness scene is tough
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for couples. Happy to answer more specific questions..
10 upvotes
Asher Miller
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 2 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is community vibe. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Cedar Grove side vs the Old Town side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
7 upvotes
Cooper C.
Used to live on the Fairview side, now on the Cedar Grove side. Completely different vibe. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
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