OK so Military spouse here. Crime rate is something to consider -Spencer sits at 63.6 per 100K. The median home value here is around $178,300, which is actually reasonable. Rent is about $795/month for a decent place. Median household income is $57,068, which feels about average for the area. Homes are going for about $178,300 on average. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Should I be concerned? Thanks! Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The city has invested a lot in new development. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
5 upvotes
3 Replies
Jackson Allen
big facts right here
39 upvotes
Matthew Chavez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value community vibe, you'll love it. The cost of living is genuinely better than expected and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Westside) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Francisco, be prepared for the culture shock. nightlife is completely different here. And Dating scene is rough.
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.
18 upvotes
Greyson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 9 years. Moved from Tampa for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. legal 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:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is decent - 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 challenging. 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. Limited public transit options. Rising rent and home prices. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
All Countries
