Alright, Just moved here 4 months ago and Homes are going for about $181,200 on average. The median home value here is around $181,200, which is actually reasonable. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
2 upvotes
14 Replies
Eli Morales
yep
38 upvotes
Margaret R.
spot on
33 upvotes
William Cruz
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from San Francisco about 8 years ago. The main reasons were family and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Close to major attractions
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are reasonable, gas is tough.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Hope this helps!.
19 upvotes
Hudson Phillips
Public transit is challenging here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
17 upvotes
Jack Taylor
+1
15 upvotes
Carter
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a nurse who relocated here from Houston about 6 years ago. The main reasons were school and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good healthcare facilities
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are growing, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. No regrets on my end..
15 upvotes
Robert Wright
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 52, moved here 13 years ago from LA. I've lived in Sunset and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Close to major attractions
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The weather situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for families. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$70K 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.
13 upvotes
Eva Taylor
+1
11 upvotes
Austin H.
Bought a house here in 2018 and it's exactly what I was looking for. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
11 upvotes
Matthew Anderson
Totally agree!
10 upvotes
Isaiah Myers
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 14 years. Moved from San Diego for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2021 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. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is improving - 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 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. Urban sprawl is real. Road conditions need improvement. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 6/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
9 upvotes
Jordan Green
This.
9 upvotes
Christine F.
Bought a house here in 2017 and it's exactly what I was looking for. Property values have gone about the same since then.
All Countries
