Been meaning to ask this. Born and raised here. Household incomes average around $212,700 in Westfield. Median household income is $212,700, which feels pretty solid for the area. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. What would you do? Thanks in advance! 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. The suburbs are where most families end up.
16 upvotes
15 Replies
Genesis Campbell
same here
39 upvotes
Theodore
honestly same experience here
38 upvotes
Leah Foster
exactly what I was thinking
36 upvotes
philly_brooks
exactly what I was thinking
35 upvotes
Caleb R.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Eastside for 2 years. Moved from Dallas for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Eastside schools are underrated. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 5/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
34 upvotes
Jose Chavez
I've lived in Old Town for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from Boston, I was surprised by community vibe. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Diverse dining options
- The cultural scene scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for retirees. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
29 upvotes
Serenity Scott
I've been living here for 6 years and I'd say I have mixed feelings honestly. The cultural scene is decent compared to other places I've lived. Overall Good luck with whatever you decide..
19 upvotes
Ryan Young
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Phoenix about 15 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good healthcare facilities
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are pricey, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Good luck with whatever you decide..
10 upvotes
Elena Parker
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 14 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Riverside side vs the Lakewood side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
10 upvotes
Brenda P.
Weather-wise, the summers are solid and winters are established. You get used to it after the first year.
8 upvotes
Savannah C.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 25, moved here 15 years ago from Austin. I've lived in East and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The public transit situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for couples. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 Austin, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $80K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
8 upvotes
native_chloe55
exactly what I was thinking
7 upvotes
Isaac
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are surprisingly good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
6 upvotes
Arianna Garcia
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Tampa about 6 years ago. The main reasons were weather and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Affordable housing options
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are growing, gas is average.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Good luck with whatever you decide..
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