OK so I'm a teacher here and Homes are going for about $551,000 on average. The unemployment rate is 4.6%, which is about average. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Am I wrong here? Thanks for reading. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
29 upvotes
21 Replies
Bennett Phillips
Public transit is excellent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's exactly what I was looking for.
36 upvotes
James W.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 11 years. Moved from Austin for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth about the same 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:**
finance is strong here. tech 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:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have mountains 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 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. Urban sprawl is real. Limited high-paying job options. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
34 upvotes
Eva Perez
exactly what I was thinking
33 upvotes
Olivia Wright
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value housing market, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely solid and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Old Town) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Francisco, 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.
32 upvotes
Eleanor P.
Public transit is hit or miss here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I have mixed feelings honestly.
32 upvotes
philly_arianna
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 4 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Lakewood side vs the Old Town side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
30 upvotes
living_eleanor17
As someone who grew up here, I genuinely enjoy living here. A lot has changed in the past few years though. outdoor recreation used to be much affordable but now it's challenging.
29 upvotes
Sebastian Phillips
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cultural scene, you'll love it. The weather is genuinely underrated and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (South) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Denver, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
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.
25 upvotes
Luna
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from LA about 14 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good internet infrastructure
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are competitive, gas is improving.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
23 upvotes
atlvibes2024
good to know, thanks
13 upvotes
Emilia Cook
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 12 years ago from Pittsburgh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Riverside. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in consulting. If you're in education you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 16 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like Vietnamese.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
12 upvotes
Bobby R.
My experience has been mostly positive. I genuinely enjoy living here. The only thing I'd watch out for is community vibe. Other than that, Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
11 upvotes
Nathan Castillo
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Boston about 12 years ago. The main reasons were weather and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Affordable housing options
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are affordable, gas is pretty good.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
11 upvotes
Elijah M.
My experience has been mostly positive. the quality of life is solid. The only thing I'd watch out for is pet-friendliness. Other than that, No regrets on my end..
11 upvotes
Jeremiah S.
been saying this for years
9 upvotes
Cameron Bailey
facts
7 upvotes
Asher King
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Phoenix about 12 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Decent public transit for the size
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are competitive, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
6 upvotes
Samantha R.
I've been living here for 6 years and I'd say it exceeded my expectations. The food scene is surprisingly good compared to other places I've lived. Overall Happy to answer more specific questions..
4 upvotes
Silas Myers
noted, appreciate it
3 upvotes
John Hall
Bought a house here in 2019 and I have mixed feelings honestly. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
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