Rent is about $880/month for a decent place. Any advice would be great.
52 upvotes
7 Replies
Jonathan Ward
big facts right here
40 upvotes
Jordan Reed
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it was the best decision I ever made. Good luck with whatever you decide..
37 upvotes
Lauren K.
I work in legal here and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The job market for my field is surprisingly good. Hope this helps!.
35 upvotes
Joseph Sanchez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 4 years. Moved from Phoenix for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. construction 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:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have rivers 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 better than expected. 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 8/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
18 upvotes
Angel L.
+1
18 upvotes
Stella White
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value traffic, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely hit or miss and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (Lakewood) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from New York, be prepared for the culture shock. school system is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour 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.
16 upvotes
Everly Sanchez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 55, moved here 14 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in The Heights and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Rising rent and home prices
3. The cost of living situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for retirees. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 Charlotte, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.