Anyone else feel this way? I've been here for 2 years and Homes are going for about $219,700 on average. Average temperature is around 72°F, so it's warm year-round. The unemployment rate is 3.8%, which is pretty low. It's a a major city city with about 1.5M people. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Am I overthinking this? There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The weather takes some getting used to. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The city has invested a lot in new development. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The weather takes some getting used to. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
72 upvotes
5 Replies
Samuel Davis
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 3 years. Moved from Raleigh for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. 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. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. engineering 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:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is decent - we have national forests 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. Limited public transit options. Limited shopping options. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
34 upvotes
Evan
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want cost of living, then yeah this place is great. But if pet-friendliness matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
34 upvotes
Naomi Gutierrez
My experience has been mostly positive. it's exactly what I was looking for. The only thing I'd watch out for is safety. Other than that, Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
20 upvotes
Carolyn C.
My experience has been mostly positive. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The only thing I'd watch out for is public transit. Other than that, No regrets on my end..
15 upvotes
Ryan Rodriguez
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want cultural scene, then yeah this place is great. But if cost of living matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.