Been living here since 2013. Homes are going for about $632,600 on average. Poverty rate is 4.1%, which is pretty low. Average temperature is around 53--F, so expect cold winters. Crime rate is something to consider -Oak Hills sits at 134.5 per 100K. The suburbs are where most families end up. Property taxes are high but you get good services. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Thanks in advance! The food scene here is surprisingly good.
9 upvotes
6 Replies
Helen P.
Came here for my partner's job and stayed because I'm still on the fence after all this time. The housing market is honestly tough and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
24 upvotes
Sebastian Gray
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in West for 15 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have lakes 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 average. 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Limited entertainment options. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
24 upvotes
Sarah Miller
thanks for sharing
10 upvotes
Nora
As someone who grew up here, I'm still on the fence after all this time. A lot has changed in the past few years though. cost of living used to be much affordable but now it's decent.
9 upvotes
Natalie Howard
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from San Francisco and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Old Town. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in marketing. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 13 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like Mediterranean.
No regrets on my end..
6 upvotes
Violet
Used to live on the The Heights side, now on the South side. Completely different vibe. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
All Countries
