Anyone else feel this way? The median home value here is around $613,500, which is pretty steep. With a population of 31,380, Norwood is a smaller city. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Thoughts? The weather takes some getting used to. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
9 upvotes
3 Replies
Eugene G.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Boston about 8 years ago. The main reasons were school and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are reasonable, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
20 upvotes
Hazel
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in West for 3 years. Moved from San Francisco for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - 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. West schools are challenging. 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. Road conditions need improvement. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
17 upvotes
Connor Cook
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's been a really good experience overall. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
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