Anyone else feel this way? With a population of 64,440, Utica is a smaller city. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Am I wrong here?
8 upvotes
4 Replies
Ella Brown
I've been living here for 3 years and I'd say it's exactly what I was looking for. The food scene is average compared to other places I've lived. Overall It's not for everyone but it works for us..
33 upvotes
Emilia Cook
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in West for 13 years. Moved from Baltimore for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up significantly 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:**
engineering is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. West schools are average. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Dating scene is rough. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
29 upvotes
Valentina Carter
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are decent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
24 upvotes
Xavier M.
I've lived in Greenfield for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from San Francisco, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Good internet infrastructure
- The school system scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Summers can be brutally hot
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for couples. Definitely worth checking out..
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