Should I move to West Falls Church or stay in Seattle?
So, Born and raised here. With a population of 30,660, West Falls Church is a smaller city. The unemployment rate is 4.2%, which is about average. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Anyone in a similar situation?
20 upvotes
4 Replies
James Ross
I've lived in Old Town for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's not perfect but it works for me. When I first moved here from Nashville, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The nightlife scene is tough
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for families. Feel free to reach out with questions..
33 upvotes
piper_dude
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 2 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Cedar Grove side vs the Fairview side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
33 upvotes
austin_skylar
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 28, moved here 9 years ago from LA. I've lived in Uptown and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Strong sense of community
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The cultural scene situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for young professionals. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 LA, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.