Been meaning to ask this. Just moved here 7 months ago and With a population of 34,291, Westmont is a smaller city. Poverty rate is 23.1%, which is higher than I expected. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Has anyone dealt with this?
20 upvotes
9 Replies
Nolan Torres
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 48, moved here 7 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in South and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The job market situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for retirees. average vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: 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 Tampa, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $90K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
38 upvotes
Lori C.
as a local I can confirm
18 upvotes
Lucy James
Moved here from Chicago about 12 years ago. it's not perfect but it works for me. Still getting used to community vibe but Feel free to reach out with questions..
18 upvotes
Emmett Gonzalez
I've lived in Fairview for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from San Diego, I was surprised by safety. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Decent public transit for the size
- The healthcare scene is improving
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for retirees. No regrets on my end..
17 upvotes
Nova Gonzalez
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Hope this helps!.
16 upvotes
Sophia Long
The food scene here is solid. Tons of great sushi places. I genuinely enjoy living here.
13 upvotes
Willow C.
facts
11 upvotes
Nora Torres
Totally agree!
9 upvotes
James R.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 6 years ago from Minneapolis and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Pine Hills. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 7 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like Italian.
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