I relocated for work and It's a a small town city with about 14,182 people. The median home value here is around $156,100, which is actually reasonable. Median household income is $74,138, which feels about average for the area. You can expect to pay around $1,021 for rent here. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Worth the trade-offs?
1 upvotes
7 Replies
nola_evan
literally same
33 upvotes
omaharider2020
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from New York about 13 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Close to major attractions
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are growing, gas is decent.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
31 upvotes
axel_soul
My experience has been mostly positive. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The only thing I'd watch out for is school system. Other than that, Would recommend to anyone considering it..
26 upvotes
Jace Patel
yep
24 upvotes
Piper
hard disagree but ok
22 upvotes
Dylan Foster
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in West for 6 years. Moved from Nashville for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. marketing 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 solid - 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. West schools are tough. 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. Road conditions need improvement. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 7/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
16 upvotes
Jordan Rogers
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's exactly what I was looking for. Good luck with whatever you decide..