We have two kids and The city has invested a lot in new development. Should I be concerned? Any help is appreciated.
3 upvotes
12 Replies
bostonfan2024
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is traffic. it exceeded my expectations. Worth doing your research before committing.
39 upvotes
Naomi James
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are tough, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
37 upvotes
miami_audrey
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in West for 7 years. Moved from Denver for school. 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 4-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is improving - we have biking trails 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 excellent. 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. Road conditions need improvement. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 9/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
36 upvotes
Julia T.
I work in education here and it was the best decision I ever made. The job market for my field is decent. Good luck with whatever you decide..
30 upvotes
Valentina Torres
Weather-wise, the summers are underrated and winters are competitive. You get used to it after the first year.
30 upvotes
Cora Diaz
I'm a teacher and I've found I love the pace of life here. The community is improving and there's always something going on.
28 upvotes
Harper Castillo
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are average, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
27 upvotes
Samuel A.
Moved here last year, no regrets.
22 upvotes
Daniel Watson
I work in legal here and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The job market for my field is pretty good. Good luck with whatever you decide..
14 upvotes
Ryan L.
Used to live on the Greenfield side, now on the Midtown side. Completely different vibe. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
12 upvotes
Connor Collins
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 50, moved here 7 years ago from New York. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The public transit situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for retirees. tough vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 New York, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
11 upvotes
Carson Collins
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 8 years ago from San Francisco and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Riverside. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like Asian.
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