Curious what people think. I'm a 38-year-old software engineer and Average temperature is around 55--F, so expect cold winters. You can expect to pay around $1,651 for rent here. It's a a small town city with about 22,667 people. Rent is about $1,651/month for a decent place. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Any advice would be great. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The weather takes some getting used to.
2 upvotes
3 Replies
Valentina
Hot take but there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. I know a lot of people disagree but after 10 years here, that's my honest assessment.
35 upvotes
Maverick Johnson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 15 years. Moved from New York for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up significantly 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:**
retail is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is tough - we have ski resorts 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 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Property taxes are high. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.