Hi all, I'm a remote worker and Median household income is $74,138, which feels about average for the area. Rent is about $1,021/month for a decent place. Homes are going for about $156,100 on average. The median home value here is around $156,100, which is actually reasonable. The suburbs are where most families end up. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
Pros:
- Affordable cost of living
- Low crime in most areas
- Lots of new development
- Good healthcare facilities
- Active local events
Cons:
- Cold winters
- Rising rent prices
- High property taxes
- Mosquitoes and humidity
- Homelessness issues downtown
What do you all think? People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The suburbs are where most families end up. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Property taxes are high but you get good services. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The city has invested a lot in new development. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
13 upvotes
11 Replies
Anna C.
We moved here with our family and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Schools in North area are average. Kids love it here.
37 upvotes
David Evans
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 6 years. Moved from Portland for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Sunset schools are pretty good. 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. Limited public transit options. Can feel isolated. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 8/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
34 upvotes
Sofia Reyes
As someone who grew up here, it's not perfect but it works for me. A lot has changed in the past few years though. traffic used to be much affordable but now it's solid.
29 upvotes
Frank S.
We moved here with our family and it exceeded my expectations. Schools in South area are solid. Kids love it here.
28 upvotes
Naomi A.
haha yep pretty much
28 upvotes
portland_jacob
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want cultural scene, then yeah this place is great. But if cost of living matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
16 upvotes
Isabelle T.
seconding this
12 upvotes
minneapolisgirl2023
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 11 years. Moved from San Diego for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is decent - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Westside schools are improving. 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Road conditions need improvement. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
12 upvotes
Henry Cruz
as a local I can confirm
4 upvotes
Barbara F.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 5 years ago from Raleigh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Riverside. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in manufacturing. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 7 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like sushi.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
2 upvotes
Quinn White
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 8 years ago from Austin and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Lakewood. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in real estate. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 4 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
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