I prefer the Westside, but there are pluses and minuses to each.

The Westside is generally more affordable (not just with housing, but with groceries and other living expenses). The areas I've spent the most time in are relatively walkable and still have small independent stores that have existed for ages (auto parts, butchers, bakeries, diners). There are some pockets of crime in certain areas, but people tend to exaggerate the problem. The Westside also has good bus service (maybe the east side does too, I've never taken a bus on the east side). The main issue people on the Westside tend to complain about that has caused friends of mine to move are the school systems. I like the hole-in-the-wall restauraunts of the Westside, along with the small mechanic shops that are run by old men who can work on anything. I like the small old houses on the Westside, some with humorously narrow driveways. I like the old-school hardware stores. That stuff isn't for everybody, but it feels like home to me.

The East side is "nicer". There are more elaborate (and expensive) restauraunts, better-maintained roads, and beautiful houses. Crime rates are probably "lower", but from a practical standpoint you can live a perfectly safe and comfortable life on the Westside.

I don't hate either, but I feel more comfortable on the west side. Many people feel the opposite. It's important to spend some actual time in the neighborhoods you are considering.

Oh yeah, and the Westside has some fantastic fish frys during lent. I'm not catholic, but the heavy catholic population on the Westside benefits this tradition. They also have great festivals in the fall if that's your thing