Random thought, Born and raised here. Median household income is $59,228, which feels about average for the area. You can expect to pay around $1,075 for rent here. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. What do you all think? Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The city has invested a lot in new development.
4 upvotes
15 Replies
denver_isabelle
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 5 years. Moved from Phoenix for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have mountains 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. Limited high-paying job options. Can feel isolated. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 7/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
37 upvotes
Autumn
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 7 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the Sunset side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
36 upvotes
Mateo Ward
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is walkability. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Worth doing your research before committing.
36 upvotes
Gabriel C.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 12 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is nightlife. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Meadowbrook side vs the Maple Ridge side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
34 upvotes
Silas C.
Bought a house here in 2021 and the quality of life is solid. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
34 upvotes
Rylee Lee
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in The Heights for 15 years. Moved from Minneapolis for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. 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. The Heights schools are excellent. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Urban sprawl is real. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 8/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
33 upvotes
Bennett
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 2 years. Moved from Atlanta for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2023 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. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. manufacturing 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 not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. East schools are average. 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. Dating scene is rough. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 7/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
31 upvotes
Johnny K.
good to know, thanks
30 upvotes
Vivian Jones
100%
21 upvotes
Wesley B.
same here
21 upvotes
local_claire87
accurate
20 upvotes
Victoria R.
Hot take but I love the pace of life here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 9 years here, that's my honest assessment.
18 upvotes
jace_mind
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Austin about 1 years ago. The main reasons were work and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Decent public transit for the size
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Dating scene is rough
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are competitive, gas is average.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. No regrets on my end..
15 upvotes
Robert J.
As someone who grew up here, I have mixed feelings honestly. A lot has changed in the past few years though. housing market used to be much developing but now it's underrated.
13 upvotes
Bella Ramos
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value public transit, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely challenging and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (Eastside) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Diego, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Chain restaurants dominate.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
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