Been meaning to ask this. We have two kids and The median home value here is around $1,146,000, which is pretty steep. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
25 upvotes
5 Replies
Ruby Campbell
I'm a social worker and I've found I love the pace of life here. The community is excellent and there's always something going on.
37 upvotes
Naomi W.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 7 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good schools in most areas
- Nice parks and green spaces
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are stable, gas is pretty good.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
35 upvotes
Mia Robinson
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. No regrets on my end..
10 upvotes
Theodore Reed
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 Pittsburgh for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. 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. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. real estate 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 tough - 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 surprisingly good. 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. Road conditions need improvement. Homeless population growing downtown. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
7 upvotes
Caroline Ruiz
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 57, moved here 2 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in Cedar Grove and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Affordable housing options
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The cultural scene situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for families. improving vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 Charlotte, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $90K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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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