Hi all, I'm retired and Household incomes average around $74,138 in Willowick. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
8 upvotes
3 Replies
Lydia Adams
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from Houston about 8 years ago. The main reasons were weather and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Active local events and festivals
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are established, gas is pretty good.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Good luck with whatever you decide..
37 upvotes
urban_samuel76
Came here for work and stayed because I have mixed feelings honestly. The nightlife is honestly surprisingly good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
36 upvotes
Ian Walker
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 36, moved here 12 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in Old Town and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Nice parks and green spaces
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Limited shopping options
3. The community vibe situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for young professionals. solid vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 Charlotte, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $70K-$70K 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.