Anyone else feel this way? The unemployment rate is 3.1%, which is pretty low. Median household income is $109,732, which feels pretty solid for the area. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Has anyone dealt with this? I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The city has invested a lot in new development. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
13 upvotes
5 Replies
Jameson Miller
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 10 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Uptown side vs the East side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
36 upvotes
real_emma90
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 15 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is food scene. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Westside side vs the Greenfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
33 upvotes
nyc_peyton
Bought a house here in 2019 and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
27 upvotes
Clara Martin
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 Atlanta for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2019 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. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is decent - we have hiking trails 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 excellent. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Nightlife is limited. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 5/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
22 upvotes
Abigail Cook
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 6 years ago from Houston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Cedar Grove. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in marketing. If you're in engineering you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 9 months to build a solid friend group.
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