Hey everyone, The unemployment rate is 4.5%, which is about average. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
17 upvotes
26 Replies
John M.
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 San Francisco for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is solid - 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 solid. 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Bugs and humidity in summer. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
40 upvotes
Declan Rodriguez
haha yep pretty much
38 upvotes
Brooklyn C.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want traffic, then yeah this place is great. But if dating scene matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
37 upvotes
Everly Hernandez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a nurse who relocated here from Chicago about 11 years ago. The main reasons were school and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good healthcare facilities
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are manageable, gas is solid.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Definitely worth checking out..
34 upvotes
Naomi
100%
31 upvotes
Nova White
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 7 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the Midtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
29 upvotes
Wesley L.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 42, moved here 1 years ago from LA. I've lived in Springfield and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Close to major attractions
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited entertainment options
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The outdoor recreation situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for retirees. decent vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: 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 LA, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
28 upvotes
Weston Moore
Bought a house here in 2022 and it's exactly what I was looking for. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
28 upvotes
Nolan R.
Totally agree!
25 upvotes
leah_life
good to know, thanks
24 upvotes
Eliana J.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Charlotte about 11 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Active local events and festivals
- Close to major attractions
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Rising rent and home prices
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are affordable, gas is underrated.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
20 upvotes
Emmett Bailey
Hot take but I have mixed feelings honestly. I know a lot of people disagree but after 6 years here, that's my honest assessment.
18 upvotes
Ariana
Hot take but it's not perfect but it works for me. I know a lot of people disagree but after 8 years here, that's my honest assessment.
18 upvotes
Audrey King
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value healthcare, you'll love it. The pet-friendliness is genuinely hit or miss and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (Pine Hills) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Denver, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare is completely different here. And Nightlife is limited.
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.
17 upvotes
Grayson R.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value community vibe, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely solid and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (South) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Minneapolis, be prepared for the culture shock. dating scene is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
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.
17 upvotes
David Garcia
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from Dallas about 7 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Close to major attractions
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are competitive, gas is tough.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
16 upvotes
Kayden Hughes
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Portland about 2 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Lots of new development happening
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are affordable, gas is challenging.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
15 upvotes
Skylar Brown
+1
10 upvotes
George R.
great question, following
9 upvotes
Daniel Martin
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 48, moved here 7 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Nightlife is limited
3. The food scene situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for young professionals. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 Tampa, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $100K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
9 upvotes
Jean R.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Definitely worth checking out..
7 upvotes
Avery C.
glad someone said it
6 upvotes
Axel Ross
been saying this for years
6 upvotes
Robert Gray
I've lived in Sunset for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Minneapolis, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Active local events and festivals
- Close to major attractions
- The food scene scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for retirees. Good luck with whatever you decide..
5 upvotes
Maverick Baker
Can confirm, been here 14 years.
5 upvotes
Gianna Bennett
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Greenfield for 12 years. Moved from Raleigh for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is decent - 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. Greenfield schools are pretty 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Limited shopping options. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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