Been meaning to ask this. Homes are going for about $222,000 on average. The unemployment rate is 2.5%, which is pretty low. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Thoughts? Property taxes are high but you get good services. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
30 upvotes
18 Replies
Jacob Turner
I've lived in Westside for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's not perfect but it works for me. When I first moved here from Dallas, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Lots of new development happening
- The dating scene scene is improving
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for retirees. Definitely worth checking out..
40 upvotes
local_scarlett71
100%
39 upvotes
Nova Cooper
hmm interesting perspective
38 upvotes
Leah H.
I work in manufacturing here and I have mixed feelings honestly. The job market for my field is tough. Happy to answer more specific questions..
36 upvotes
Robert H.
lol so true
35 upvotes
Grayson Thompson
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 8 years ago from Houston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in The Heights. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 4 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like Italian.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
32 upvotes
Valentina Adams
literally same
32 upvotes
Easton M.
wish I knew this sooner
25 upvotes
Zachary R.
nah I disagree
22 upvotes
ella_lover
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 15 years ago from Dallas and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Highland. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in consulting. If you're in education you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 6 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like Italian.
No regrets on my end..
18 upvotes
Sebastian Long
it depends on the neighborhood
18 upvotes
Eli D.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Internet is challenging in most areas.
17 upvotes
indymind2025
big facts right here
17 upvotes
local_hudson2
as a local I can confirm
10 upvotes
Emmett Kelly
Used to live on the Fairview side, now on the East side. Completely different vibe. it's exactly what I was looking for.
5 upvotes
Hazel N.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Denver about 3 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Close to major attractions
- Diverse dining options
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are pricey, gas is excellent.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
5 upvotes
Angel Perez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 36, moved here 1 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Close to major attractions
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The nightlife situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for remote workers. average vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 Phoenix, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
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