Hi all, Military spouse here. You can expect to pay around $1,012 for rent here. Median household income is $69,685, which feels about average for the area. Household incomes average around $69,685 in West Allis. Poverty rate is 7.0%, which is pretty low. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The city has invested a lot in new development. Let me know your thoughts. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The city has invested a lot in new development. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
10 upvotes
3 Replies
Lucy Collins
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 5 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the Uptown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
39 upvotes
Jaxon Murphy
I've lived in The Heights for about 2 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 Pittsburgh, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Lots of new development happening
- The pet-friendliness scene is improving
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for couples. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
20 upvotes
Arianna
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 31, moved here 14 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Highland and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The dating scene situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for young professionals. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 Miami, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $100K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.