I'm originally from Cincinnati and Poverty rate is 3.7%, which is pretty low. It's a a small town city with about 24,818 people. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
5 upvotes
8 Replies
Sandra W.
Used to live on the Pine Hills side, now on the Riverside side. Completely different vibe. I love the pace of life here.
36 upvotes
Scarlett Rivera
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from New York about 8 years ago. The main reasons were school and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Decent public transit for the size
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Nightlife is limited
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are affordable, gas is decent.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Happy to answer more specific questions..
30 upvotes
George G.
Weather-wise, the summers are challenging and winters are wild. You get used to it after the first year.
26 upvotes
William Martinez
I work in manufacturing here and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The job market for my field is excellent. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
20 upvotes
Connor Brooks
Moved here from San Diego about 12 years ago. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Still getting used to traffic but Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
17 upvotes
Mia W.
Bought a house here in 2022 and it was the best decision I ever made. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
12 upvotes
Jose Peterson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 3 years. Moved from Dallas for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. retail 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 exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is improving - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Westside schools are average. 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 entertainment options. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 7/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
7 upvotes
houstonwalker2023
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 1 years ago from Phoenix and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Maple Ridge. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in marketing. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 7 months to build a solid friend group.