Longtime lurker here, Median household income is $41,960, which feels on the lower side for the area. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Thoughts? It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
27 upvotes
4 Replies
Kaylee Rogers
wish I knew this sooner
37 upvotes
Joshua Price
I've lived in West for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from New York, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Decent public transit for the size
- The cultural scene scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for families. Hope this helps!.
37 upvotes
Ellie Green
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are surprisingly good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
6 upvotes
Melanie Hill
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 52, moved here 1 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Springfield and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The school system situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for retirees. average 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 San Diego, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
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