Hey, I'm retired and Poverty rate is 8.9%, which is pretty low. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Appreciate any input. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The weather takes some getting used to.
4 upvotes
7 Replies
Mason Mendoza
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 1 years. Moved from Chicago for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. engineering 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:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have mountains 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Limited entertainment options. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 6/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
38 upvotes
Vivian Rogers
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it was the best decision I ever made. Internet is improving in most areas.
37 upvotes
Reagan C.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 14 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the Meadowbrook side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
12 upvotes
Jordan Gray
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely average and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (Midtown) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Phoenix, be prepared for the culture shock. nightlife is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
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.
9 upvotes
Jayden Flores
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 6 years ago from Salt Lake City and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Uptown. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in legal. If you're in education you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 6 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like Mediterranean.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
4 upvotes
Ruby S.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. it's exactly what I was looking for. Compared to Phoenix it's challenging.
1 upvotes
Sara O.
Bought a house here in 2021 and the quality of life is solid. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
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