Alright, Been living here since 2014. Rent is about $1,706/month for a decent place. The unemployment rate is 2.4%, which is pretty low. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. What would you do? Appreciate any input. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
12 upvotes
19 Replies
Ava Flores
I've lived in West for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from San Francisco, I was surprised by community vibe. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Four distinct seasons
- The traffic scene is decent
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for remote workers. No regrets on my end..
39 upvotes
Luca
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 4 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2021 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:**
consulting is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is challenging - 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. North schools are average. 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. Far from beaches/mountains. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
38 upvotes
Julian J.
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. Happy to answer more specific questions..
34 upvotes
luca_native
Hot take but I have mixed feelings honestly. I know a lot of people disagree but after 12 years here, that's my honest assessment.
30 upvotes
urban_john46
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 12 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The The Heights side vs the Fairview side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
30 upvotes
Nevaeh Peterson
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's been a really good experience overall. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
30 upvotes
Elizabeth R.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in West for 4 years. Moved from San Diego for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have desert landscapes 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 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. Rising rent and home prices. Not very walkable outside downtown. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 7/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
26 upvotes
Nolan R.
couldn't agree more
25 upvotes
Waylon Gutierrez
Moved here last year, no regrets.
24 upvotes
Maya Hughes
I've been living here for 5 years and I'd say it's improved dramatically in recent years. The safety is challenging compared to other places I've lived. Overall Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
23 upvotes
Alexa R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 58, moved here 1 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Riverside and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good internet infrastructure
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The dating scene situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for retirees. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 Raleigh, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $70K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
21 upvotes
Benjamin
I work in healthcare here and I genuinely enjoy living here. The job market for my field is pretty good. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
20 upvotes
phoenix_ruby
Moved here last year, no regrets.
17 upvotes
Charles G.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from Houston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Riverside. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in consulting. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 13 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like Thai.
No regrets on my end..
14 upvotes
Lillian Thomas
Weather-wise, the summers are solid and winters are developing. You get used to it after the first year.
12 upvotes
John Cox
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 13 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Eastside side vs the Lakewood side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
11 upvotes
Paisley King
I've been living here for 7 years and I'd say it's not perfect but it works for me. The food scene is hit or miss compared to other places I've lived. Overall Hope this helps!.
9 upvotes
Jace F.
lol so true
5 upvotes
Jameson Price
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 10 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2019 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. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. government 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:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is average - 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. Downtown 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. Limited shopping options. Bugs and humidity in summer. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
All Countries
