Not sure if this has been asked before, but Crime rate is something to consider -Scott AFB sits at 37.7 per 100K.
6 upvotes
9 Replies
Bella
facts
40 upvotes
Ezra
honestly same experience here
30 upvotes
Jace Collins
Came here for work and stayed because I love the pace of life here. The housing market is honestly challenging and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
27 upvotes
Madeline Campbell
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 10 years ago from Raleigh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Downtown. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in finance. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 12 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like Mediterranean.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
27 upvotes
Gianna C.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value nightlife, you'll love it. The outdoor recreation is genuinely decent and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (Cedar Grove) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Minneapolis, be prepared for the culture shock. cost of living is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
21 upvotes
Kathryn J.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 1 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is challenging - 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. Downtown schools are hit or miss. 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. Winters are long and cold. Limited high-paying job options. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
7 upvotes
Skylar Price
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 school system. Other than that, Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
6 upvotes
Julia W.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in West for 5 years. Moved from Baltimore for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have rivers 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 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. Property taxes are high. Bugs and humidity in summer. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 9/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
2 upvotes
Gabriella Mitchell
I've been living here for 8 years and I'd say I genuinely enjoy living here. The traffic is average compared to other places I've lived. Overall Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..