Longtime lurker here, You can expect to pay around $818 for rent here. Rent is about $818/month for a decent place. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Anyone in a similar situation? Looking forward to hearing from you all. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
2 upvotes
6 Replies
Alice P.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 9 years. Moved from San Francisco for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have state parks 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 excellent. 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. Limited public transit options. Limited shopping options. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 9/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
38 upvotes
Alexa
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 12 years ago from Atlanta and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in South. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in legal. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 11 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
Hope this helps!.
35 upvotes
Adam
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 3 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is community vibe. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Meadowbrook side vs the North side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
28 upvotes
Sophie White
it depends on the neighborhood
24 upvotes
Emma Edwards
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. I have mixed feelings honestly. Compared to Chicago it's decent.