All Countries
Melanie Taylor
living
Raising a family in Alexandria — thoughts?
Alright, It's changing fast — some good, some not so much. What neighborhoods would you suggest?
49 upvotes
15 Replies
Theodore
Saving this thread
38 upvotes
Aurora Wood
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. I love the pace of life here. Compared to Dallas it's pretty good.
29 upvotes
Katherine Johnson
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 9 years ago from San Francisco and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Springfield. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 16 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like Mexican.
Hope this helps!.
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Springfield. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 16 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like Mexican.
Hope this helps!.
22 upvotes
Connor Williams
Moved here from Raleigh about 13 years ago. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Still getting used to dating scene but No regrets on my end..
20 upvotes
Joseph Gonzalez
Hot take but I have mixed feelings honestly. I know a lot of people disagree but after 8 years here, that's my honest assessment.
16 upvotes
William Peterson
The food scene here is better than expected. Tons of great Mexican places. it was the best decision I ever made.
14 upvotes
Ian Miller
The food scene here is excellent. Tons of great farm-to-table places. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
13 upvotes
Ian Patel
I've lived in Downtown for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from San Diego, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Strong job market in several industries
- The outdoor recreation scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for singles. Feel free to reach out with questions..
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from San Diego, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Strong job market in several industries
- The outdoor recreation scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for singles. Feel free to reach out with questions..
12 upvotes
Audrey Bailey
I've been living here for 4 years and I'd say I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The food scene is challenging compared to other places I've lived. Overall Feel free to reach out with questions..
12 upvotes
Clara Brooks
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from Miami and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Maple Ridge. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in engineering. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 11 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like seafood.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Maple Ridge. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in engineering. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 11 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like seafood.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
11 upvotes
Andrew
I've lived in West for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from Baltimore, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Close to major attractions
- The weather scene is solid
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for retirees. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from Baltimore, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Close to major attractions
- The weather scene is solid
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for retirees. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
7 upvotes
Cameron Mendoza
Came here for school and stayed because it's been a really good experience overall. The job market is honestly solid and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
5 upvotes
Luna White
Bought a house here in 2021 and it's been a really good experience overall. Property values have gone about the same since then.
4 upvotes
Andrea S.
noted, appreciate it
4 upvotes
Connor
+1
3 upvotes