Longtime lurker here, Median household income is $220,408, which feels pretty solid for the area. Average temperature is around 59--F, so the weather is moderate. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The city has invested a lot in new development. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
21 upvotes
14 Replies
kcfan2024
I've been living here for 6 years and I'd say I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The school system is hit or miss compared to other places I've lived. Overall Good luck with whatever you decide..
38 upvotes
Eli B.
As someone who grew up here, I love the pace of life here. A lot has changed in the past few years though. cost of living used to be much growing but now it's solid.
34 upvotes
Nevaeh Green
same here
31 upvotes
Aaron Baker
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from Nashville about 13 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Active local events and festivals
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are manageable, gas is improving.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
30 upvotes
Aaron B.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 7 years. Moved from Tampa for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2023 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. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. healthcare 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:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have national forests 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 tough. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Nightlife is limited. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
25 upvotes
Michael Lewis
yeah no that's not right
19 upvotes
Hunter Jimenez
Hot take but I have mixed feelings honestly. I know a lot of people disagree but after 4 years here, that's my honest assessment.
15 upvotes
Kinsley
Public transit is hit or miss here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's not perfect but it works for me.
14 upvotes
Leonardo
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Compared to Tampa it's tough.
12 upvotes
Leonardo Edwards
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 56, moved here 2 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The public transit situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for couples. tough vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 Miami, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$140K 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.
8 upvotes
tampa_riley
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in West for 14 years. Moved from Chicago for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up significantly 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:**
real estate is strong here. education 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:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have biking trails 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 hit or miss. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Bugs and humidity in summer. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 9/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
8 upvotes
Cooper Watson
noted, appreciate it
5 upvotes
Grace Myers
As someone who grew up here, it's not perfect but it works for me. A lot has changed in the past few years though. traffic used to be much pricey but now it's challenging.
4 upvotes
Landon Turner
I've been living here for 9 years and I'd say it was the best decision I ever made. The nightlife is underrated compared to other places I've lived. Overall Hope this helps!.
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