Curious what people think. I'm retired and Household incomes average around $75,905 in Westchester. Median household income is $75,905, which feels about average for the area. The unemployment rate is 2.3%, which is pretty low. You can expect to pay around $1,734 for rent here. It's a a smaller city city with about 53,082 people. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The weather takes some getting used to. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The weather takes some getting used to. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The city has invested a lot in new development. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
16 upvotes
17 Replies
Adrian Ruiz
I've lived in Westside for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by dating scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Close to major attractions
- The housing market scene is solid
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for families. Definitely worth checking out..
40 upvotes
Greyson
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's exactly what I was looking for. Internet is challenging in most areas.
39 upvotes
Emma Murphy
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a nurse who relocated here from Salt Lake City about 2 years ago. The main reasons were family and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are competitive, gas is underrated.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. No regrets on my end..
35 upvotes
Camila R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 57, moved here 14 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in The Heights and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The healthcare situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for remote workers. improving vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 Phoenix, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $70K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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
Madeline Cruz
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 33, moved here 11 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in North and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Good internet infrastructure
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 shopping options
3. The dating scene situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for couples. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- East: 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 Salt Lake City, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $70K-$110K 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.
34 upvotes
Brooks Gray
Weather-wise, the summers are average and winters are manageable. You get used to it after the first year.
30 upvotes
Hudson Johnson
hmm interesting perspective
29 upvotes
Jack
We moved here with our family and it exceeded my expectations. Schools in North area are tough. Kids love it here.
26 upvotes
fresnolocal2023
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I genuinely enjoy living here. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
25 upvotes
Kai Allen
thanks for sharing
23 upvotes
Aria Jones
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from Tampa about 10 years ago. The main reasons were family and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good airport with direct flights
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are manageable, gas is average.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. No regrets on my end..
21 upvotes
Brielle Wright
The food scene here is solid. Tons of great Italian places. it's exactly what I was looking for.
20 upvotes
Savannah Bailey
Used to live on the Maple Ridge side, now on the Midtown side. Completely different vibe. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
17 upvotes
Jaxon C.
preach
12 upvotes
Bennett C.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is public transit. it exceeded my expectations. Worth doing your research before committing.
11 upvotes
Everly
We moved here with our family and it's been a really good experience overall. Schools in Old Town area are solid. Kids love it here.
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