I'm originally from Raleigh and Rent is about $1,012/month for a decent place. Average temperature is around 49--F, so expect cold winters. Household incomes average around $69,685 in West Allis. Median household income is $69,685, which feels about average for the area. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. What would you do? Cheers. The city has invested a lot in new development. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The weather takes some getting used to. The weather takes some getting used to.
1 upvotes
23 Replies
Michael Jones
I've been living here for 11 years and I'd say it's not perfect but it works for me. The housing market is tough compared to other places I've lived. Overall Would recommend to anyone considering it..
39 upvotes
Piper Diaz
haha yep pretty much
39 upvotes
violet_runner
I'm a physical therapist and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. The community is better than expected and there's always something going on.
37 upvotes
Aiden Jimenez
Moved here from Boston about 13 years ago. it was the best decision I ever made. Still getting used to housing market but Definitely worth checking out..
37 upvotes
Michael Brown
good to know, thanks
35 upvotes
dc_gianna
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from Portland about 8 years ago. The main reasons were work and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Close to major attractions
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are manageable, gas is challenging.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Good luck with whatever you decide..
34 upvotes
Nicholas A.
As someone who grew up here, it exceeded my expectations. A lot has changed in the past few years though. cultural scene used to be much stable but now it's challenging.
34 upvotes
born_rylee41
been saying this for years
32 upvotes
Ruby Morales
been saying this for years
30 upvotes
Thomas Carter
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want public transit, then yeah this place is great. But if traffic matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
26 upvotes
Benjamin Rogers
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 35, moved here 13 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in North and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The weather situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for retirees. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Sunset: 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 Tampa, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $40K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
23 upvotes
Maverick Alvarez
it depends on the neighborhood
23 upvotes
Mackenzie F.
As someone who grew up here, it's not perfect but it works for me. A lot has changed in the past few years though. food scene used to be much stable but now it's solid.
21 upvotes
Ian J.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 14 years ago from Raleigh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Highland. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 15 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like Southern.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
18 upvotes
Serenity Allen
facts
13 upvotes
Isaiah G.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 5 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is cost of living. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Sunset side vs the Meadowbrook side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
12 upvotes
Sophie Cooper
The food scene here is better than expected. Tons of great sushi places. it was the best decision I ever made.
11 upvotes
Connor C.
I work in hospitality here and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The job market for my field is challenging. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
8 upvotes
isabella_runner
We moved here with our family and it's not perfect but it works for me. Schools in Lakewood area are challenging. Kids love it here.
4 upvotes
harper_soul
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is public transit. I genuinely enjoy living here. Worth doing your research before committing.
2 upvotes
Grayson
been saying this for years
2 upvotes
jaxrunner2020
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want pet-friendliness, then yeah this place is great. But if nightlife matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
0 upvotes
Everly Sanchez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value traffic, you'll love it. The job market is genuinely pretty good and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Meadowbrook) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Houston, be prepared for the culture shock. weather is completely different here. And Not a lot of cultural diversity.
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.
All Countries
