Hey everyone, People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
21 upvotes
7 Replies
Delilah W.
I've lived in Westside for about 12 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 Francisco, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Affordable housing options
- The cost of living scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Dating scene is rough
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for couples. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
33 upvotes
Liam
preach
27 upvotes
Nicholas P.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Baltimore about 4 years ago. The main reasons were work and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Lots of new development happening
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Dating scene is rough
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are affordable, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Feel free to reach out with questions..
25 upvotes
Owen Bennett
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are solid, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
23 upvotes
Michael L.
I've been living here for 12 years and I'd say there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The community vibe is surprisingly good compared to other places I've lived. Overall Good luck with whatever you decide..
8 upvotes
Scarlett Martinez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 41, moved here 3 years ago from LA. I've lived in Cedar Grove and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The public transit situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for young professionals. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 LA, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $80K-$130K 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.
7 upvotes
Parker Collins
I've been living here for 3 years and I'd say the quality of life is solid. The weather is underrated compared to other places I've lived. Overall Definitely worth checking out..