Hi all, I grew up here but left for a while. Poverty rate is 19.4%, which is higher than I expected. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The suburbs are where most families end up. The weather takes some getting used to. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The suburbs are where most families end up. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
18 upvotes
3 Replies
Leah Bennett
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 10 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is cost of living. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the Midtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
36 upvotes
Hudson Rogers
I've lived in Westside for about 7 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from Salt Lake City, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Close to major attractions
- The housing market scene is decent
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Limited public transit options
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for couples. Good luck with whatever you decide..
All Countries
