Curious what people think. I'm originally from Cincinnati and Household incomes average around $119,598 in Westfield. Poverty rate is 2.9%, which is pretty low. With a population of 51,109, Westfield is a smaller city. You can expect to pay around $1,526 for rent here. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The city has invested a lot in new development. Any advice would be great. Thanks in advance! The weather takes some getting used to. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The weather takes some getting used to. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The suburbs are where most families end up. The suburbs are where most families end up. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
4 upvotes
30 Replies
Luna Brown
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are tough, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
40 upvotes
Valentina Wood
Used to live on the Westside side, now on the Springfield side. Completely different vibe. it's exactly what I was looking for.
38 upvotes
Nathan M.
Used to live on the Pine Hills side, now on the Lakewood side. Completely different vibe. I love the pace of life here.
38 upvotes
Miles S.
The food scene here is average. Tons of great BBQ places. it's not perfect but it works for me.
33 upvotes
grayson_lover
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 10 years ago from Charlotte and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Sunset. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in education you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 5 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like Italian.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
32 upvotes
Zoe Peterson
Came here for cost of living and stayed because it's been a really good experience overall. The public transit is honestly tough and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
28 upvotes
Olivia Thompson
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want safety, then yeah this place is great. But if cost of living matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
28 upvotes
Alice
thanks for sharing
27 upvotes
Kinsley Turner
Weather-wise, the summers are excellent and winters are competitive. You get used to it after the first year.
23 upvotes
Sophia Ortiz
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value traffic, you'll love it. The dating scene is genuinely average and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (Highland) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Seattle, be prepared for the culture shock. housing market is completely different here. And Property taxes are high.
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.
22 upvotes
Wesley Robinson
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 6 years ago from Dallas and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in North. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in government. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 9 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
20 upvotes
Easton Long
Bought a house here in 2015 and the quality of life is solid. Property values have gone about the same since then.
17 upvotes
Jameson B.
My experience has been mostly positive. it's been a really good experience overall. The only thing I'd watch out for is public transit. Other than that, Definitely worth checking out..
16 upvotes
Aiden Sanders
Weather-wise, the summers are tough and winters are manageable. You get used to it after the first year.
15 upvotes
Isaiah P.
This.
14 upvotes
Nora Price
The food scene here is excellent. Tons of great Italian places. I genuinely enjoy living here.
12 upvotes
Connor Murphy
this is the way
12 upvotes
Caroline
100%
12 upvotes
Ellie Jackson
Saving this thread
11 upvotes
lake_paisley72
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want walkability, then yeah this place is great. But if school system matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
9 upvotes
Aiden L.
My experience has been mostly positive. it's exactly what I was looking for. The only thing I'd watch out for is traffic. Other than that, Happy to answer more specific questions..
9 upvotes
Hannah P.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 11 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Uptown side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
9 upvotes
Claire Mendoza
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Compared to Nashville it's challenging.
7 upvotes
Aiden Jimenez
Came here for a fresh start and stayed because it exceeded my expectations. The traffic is honestly underrated and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
6 upvotes
Evelyn W.
This.
4 upvotes
Sarah Torres
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are better than expected, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
3 upvotes
Elijah
been saying this for years
2 upvotes
Mia C.
spot on
1 upvotes
fresnorider2021
Came here for work and stayed because it's exactly what I was looking for. The school system is honestly improving and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
1 upvotes
Declan R.
Moved here from Tampa about 1 years ago. I have mixed feelings honestly. Still getting used to pet-friendliness but Hope this helps!.
All Countries
