OK so My partner and I are Poverty rate is 11.5%, which is around average. You can expect to pay around $896 for rent here. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The suburbs are where most families end up. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The weather takes some getting used to. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
1 upvotes
3 Replies
Gianna
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. I genuinely enjoy living here. Compared to LA it's solid.
32 upvotes
seattledude2024
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is housing market. it's been a really good experience overall. Worth doing your research before committing.
32 upvotes
Noah King
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in West for 8 years. Moved from Baltimore for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is tough - 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. West schools are pretty good. 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. Property taxes are high. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 9/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.