Hi all, The median home value here is around $475,200, which is pretty steep. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
50 upvotes
12 Replies
Santiago
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 13 years. Moved from Raleigh for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth down slightly 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:**
education is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is challenging - 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. Westside schools are improving. 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 public transit options. Winters are long and cold. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
40 upvotes
Jacqueline P.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want housing market, then yeah this place is great. But if school system matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
40 upvotes
Isaiah C.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 13 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is food scene. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Midtown side vs the Meadowbrook side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
35 upvotes
Addison S.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from Dallas about 7 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good internet infrastructure
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Bugs and humidity in summer
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are wild, gas is decent.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
27 upvotes
Nora N.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 10 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Riverside side vs the Fairview side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
27 upvotes
Mateo Watson
My experience has been mostly positive. I'm still on the fence after all this time. The only thing I'd watch out for is food scene. Other than that, Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
22 upvotes
elena_walker
preach
20 upvotes
liam_living
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value school system, you'll love it. The safety is genuinely solid and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Westside) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from LA, be prepared for the culture shock. cultural scene is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
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.
16 upvotes
Parker
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is community vibe. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Worth doing your research before committing.
15 upvotes
philly_emilia
The food scene here is average. Tons of great sushi places. I have mixed feelings honestly.
15 upvotes
Madison C.
I've been living here for 5 years and I'd say it's improved dramatically in recent years. The community vibe is average compared to other places I've lived. Overall Feel free to reach out with questions..
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