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Liam Wright
housing
Rent vs buy in Westminster -what makes sense?
Average temperature is around 48--F, so expect cold winters. Am I wrong here?
59 upvotes
7 Replies
Arianna
it depends on the neighborhood
39 upvotes
Nora Miller
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 55, moved here 2 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in West and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Close to major attractions
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The healthcare situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for families. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $70K-$130K 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.
Background: I'm a accountant, 55, moved here 2 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in West and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Close to major attractions
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The healthcare situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for families. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $70K-$130K 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.
14 upvotes
nola_wyatt
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from Charlotte about 8 years ago. The main reasons were family and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good schools in most areas
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are manageable, gas is challenging.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Feel free to reach out with questions..
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from Charlotte about 8 years ago. The main reasons were family and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good schools in most areas
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are manageable, gas is challenging.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Feel free to reach out with questions..
13 upvotes
Mateo Jackson
haha yep pretty much
11 upvotes
Autumn M.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is job market. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Worth doing your research before committing.
6 upvotes
Dominic Clark
nah I disagree
4 upvotes
Josiah Brooks
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Oak Park for 1 years. Moved from Chicago for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2024 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. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Oak Park 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. Nightlife is limited. Limited shopping options. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Oak Park for 1 years. Moved from Chicago for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2024 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. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Oak Park 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. Nightlife is limited. Limited shopping options. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
3 upvotes