First post here. I grew up here but left for a while.
15 upvotes
10 Replies
Ryan Y.
100%
39 upvotes
Olivia H.
The food scene here is pretty good. Tons of great Mediterranean places. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
36 upvotes
Ava
honestly same experience here
28 upvotes
mountain_sarah97
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 15 years. Moved from San Francisco for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. legal 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 decent - we have rivers 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 underrated. 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 public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 7/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
24 upvotes
Kai
following this thread
24 upvotes
Wesley Peterson
exactly what I was thinking
18 upvotes
Lucy Nelson
I've lived in Pine Hills for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Chicago, 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
- Strong job market in several industries
- The walkability scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for couples. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
18 upvotes
Jeremiah Carter
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 4 years ago from Austin and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in West. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in finance. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 10 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like Korean.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
14 upvotes
Isaiah Chavez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 25, moved here 1 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in East and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Limited shopping options
3. The cultural scene situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for remote workers. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 Charlotte, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$70K 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.
12 upvotes
samuel_life
As someone who grew up here, I have mixed feelings honestly. A lot has changed in the past few years though. traffic used to be much established but now it's average.