Homes are going for about $266,900 on average. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Worth the trade-offs? There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
24 upvotes
13 Replies
Owen Edwards
I've lived in West for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from San Diego, I was surprised by food scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Four distinct seasons
- The weather scene is improving
The downsides:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for families. Hope this helps!.
40 upvotes
Luke Ramirez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value healthcare, you'll love it. The school system is genuinely pretty good and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (Highland) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Baltimore, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit is completely different here. And Limited high-paying job 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.
39 upvotes
Emily King
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 5 years. Moved from Tampa for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. finance 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:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is tough - 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. Sunset schools are better than expected. 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. Chain restaurants dominate. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
36 upvotes
kc_david
I'm a electrician and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. The community is underrated and there's always something going on.
23 upvotes
Marie T.
haha yep pretty much
22 upvotes
William White
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 51, moved here 12 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Old Town and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Strong sense of community
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The job market situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for retirees. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $100K-$90K 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.
22 upvotes
omaha_allison
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 52, moved here 1 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Fairview and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Decent public transit for the size
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Homeless population growing downtown
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The traffic situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for families. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $50K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
22 upvotes
Emilia Gonzalez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 4 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Lakewood side vs the West side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
14 upvotes
Jose Roberts
good to know, thanks
13 upvotes
James B.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 4 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Westside side vs the Uptown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
10 upvotes
Leonardo
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I have mixed feelings honestly. Internet is excellent in most areas.
8 upvotes
Skylar Brooks
honestly same experience here
5 upvotes
Luke Richardson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 47, moved here 3 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Highland and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Active local events and festivals
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. Road conditions need improvement
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The nightlife situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for remote workers. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 Dallas, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $100K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
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