Hey everyone, I've been here for 14 years and Rent is about $1,514/month for a decent place. Average temperature is around 74--F, so it's warm year-round. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Let me know your thoughts. Appreciate any input. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The weather takes some getting used to. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The weather takes some getting used to. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
27 upvotes
9 Replies
Allison Phillips
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from Dallas about 5 years ago. The main reasons were weather and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Urban sprawl is real
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are developing, gas is decent.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Good luck with whatever you decide..
36 upvotes
Jameson Patel
wish I knew this sooner
36 upvotes
Leah Kim
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 8 years. Moved from Boston for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have ski resorts 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 better than expected. 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. Nightlife is limited. Bugs and humidity in summer. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 5/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
34 upvotes
Jackson Wright
as a local I can confirm
24 upvotes
Hudson Stewart
The food scene here is challenging. Tons of great Mediterranean places. it's not perfect but it works for me.
22 upvotes
jaxrider2024
thanks for sharing
16 upvotes
Isabelle
thanks for sharing
15 upvotes
Grayson Robinson
I've lived in Midtown for about 6 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 Dallas, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The outdoor recreation scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for couples. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
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