I'm retired and The unemployment rate is 2.6%, which is pretty low. With a population of 59,588, West Allis is a smaller city. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. What neighborhoods would you suggest?
29 upvotes
30 Replies
Nora Jones
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 15 years. Moved from San Francisco for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Lakewood 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Limited shopping options. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
39 upvotes
Bradley B.
Public transit is hit or miss here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it exceeded my expectations.
39 upvotes
Caroline Reyes
100%
36 upvotes
Weston Campbell
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from Minneapolis about 6 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good schools in most areas
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
Cons that are real:
- Limited shopping options
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are growing, gas is challenging.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. No regrets on my end..
35 upvotes
Harper Lopez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 37, moved here 1 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in South and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Good healthcare facilities
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The cost of living situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for young professionals. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $90K-$130K 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.
35 upvotes
Theodore Richardson
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 3 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Pine Hills side vs the Cedar Grove side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
34 upvotes
la_joshua
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Maple Ridge for 7 years. Moved from Houston for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is improving - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Maple Ridge schools are decent. 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. Nightlife is limited. Bugs and humidity in summer. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
33 upvotes
Ryan
I've lived in Lakewood for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Seattle, I was surprised by cost of living. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Affordable housing options
- Good airport with direct flights
- The cost of living scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Urban sprawl is real
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for remote workers. Feel free to reach out with questions..
32 upvotes
Sofia
Used to live on the Greenfield side, now on the Downtown side. Completely different vibe. I love the pace of life here.
28 upvotes
Robert Anderson
Used to live on the Eastside side, now on the Maple Ridge side. Completely different vibe. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
27 upvotes
Emma Young
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Feel free to reach out with questions..
26 upvotes
Ezra
Weather-wise, the summers are excellent and winters are stable. You get used to it after the first year.
25 upvotes
Bennett Parker
I work in retail here and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The job market for my field is challenging. Feel free to reach out with questions..
24 upvotes
Isaiah
Hot take but I love the pace of life here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 9 years here, that's my honest assessment.
22 upvotes
Clara Ramirez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Houston about 5 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good airport with direct flights
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are affordable, gas is average.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
22 upvotes
everly_local
The food scene here is challenging. Tons of great farm-to-table places. the quality of life is solid.
19 upvotes
Delilah Thompson
following this thread
18 upvotes
Silas Ramirez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 6 years. Moved from Dallas for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. North schools are hit or miss. 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. Nightlife is limited. Can feel isolated. And cost of living 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.
15 upvotes
David B.
honestly same experience here
13 upvotes
seattlesoul2022
We moved here with our family and I love the pace of life here. Schools in Sunset area are decent. Kids love it here.
13 upvotes
minneapolis_robert
Bought a house here in 2021 and it's exactly what I was looking for. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
10 upvotes
Waylon H.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Maple Ridge for 11 years. Moved from Nashville for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Maple Ridge 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. Limited public transit options. Can feel isolated. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
9 upvotes
Ryan Hughes
I've been living here for 1 years and I'd say I love the pace of life here. The pet-friendliness is surprisingly good compared to other places I've lived. Overall Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
8 upvotes
Declan H.
I've lived in Sunset for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Minneapolis, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Active local events and festivals
- Close to major attractions
- The nightlife scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for retirees. Definitely worth checking out..
7 upvotes
Kaylee Jackson
Can confirm, been here 2 years.
7 upvotes
Paisley Sanders
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is nightlife. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Worth doing your research before committing.
7 upvotes
Austin Johnson
Weather-wise, the summers are tough and winters are manageable. You get used to it after the first year.
3 upvotes
Cooper Stewart
preach
3 upvotes
Samuel Morris
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 10 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The North side vs the Fairview side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
2 upvotes
Waylon Cox
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it exceeded my expectations. Feel free to reach out with questions..
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