So, Poverty rate is 16.8%, which is higher than I expected. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Am I overthinking this?
14 upvotes
5 Replies
Nolan H.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in West for 6 years. Moved from Minneapolis for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. 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. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. retail 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's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is solid - we have beaches 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 pretty good. 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Far from beaches/mountains. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 6/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
28 upvotes
Benjamin Gomez
I work in engineering here and I genuinely enjoy living here. The job market for my field is solid. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
26 upvotes
Gianna C.
lol so true
22 upvotes
Stella Howard
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from Baltimore about 3 years ago. The main reasons were work and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good internet infrastructure
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Limited shopping options
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are developing, gas is average.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Hope this helps!.
4 upvotes
Isabelle Brooks
As someone who grew up here, it's improved dramatically in recent years. A lot has changed in the past few years though. pet-friendliness used to be much wild but now it's average.
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