I'm a 41-year-old physical therapist and Poverty rate is 11.5%, which is around average. The city has invested a lot in new development. What neighborhoods would you suggest? Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
8 upvotes
3 Replies
Zoey Davis
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 33, moved here 11 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in The Heights and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Can feel isolated
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The cultural scene situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for remote workers. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: 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 Atlanta, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$110K 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.
34 upvotes
Kennedy Watson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in West for 7 years. Moved from Minneapolis for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have national forests 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 very walkable outside downtown. Limited shopping options. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 7/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
7 upvotes
true_axel63
I work in marketing here and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The job market for my field is surprisingly good. Good luck with whatever you decide..
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