Anyone else feel this way? We have two kids and Median household income is $42,245, which feels on the lower side for the area. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Anyone in a similar situation? Thanks in advance! There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
21 upvotes
11 Replies
Aiden S.
same here
37 upvotes
Carson Rogers
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 14 years. Moved from LA for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. hospitality 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:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have national forests 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 decent. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Homeless population growing downtown. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 6/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
31 upvotes
Genesis R.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are better than expected, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
31 upvotes
Violet
accurate
30 upvotes
Santiago P.
I've been living here for 14 years and I'd say the quality of life is solid. The traffic is better than expected compared to other places I've lived. Overall Happy to answer more specific questions..
27 upvotes
charlotte_jeremiah
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 14 years ago from Raleigh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Maple Ridge. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in government. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 8 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like seafood.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
20 upvotes
Alice C.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely average and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (East) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Nashville, be prepared for the culture shock. cost of living is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
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.
17 upvotes
Quinn Hernandez
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 4 years ago from Phoenix and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Westside. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in finance. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 15 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like Vietnamese.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
16 upvotes
Ariana Williams
thanks for sharing
12 upvotes
William Lopez
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I love the pace of life here. Internet is solid in most areas.
11 upvotes
houston_willow
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 29, moved here 8 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in Highland and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The walkability situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for young professionals. improving vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 Salt Lake City, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $100K-$70K 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.
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