Alright, Military spouse here. The unemployment rate is 2.1%, which is pretty low. Average temperature is around 68--F, so the weather is moderate. With a population of 11,046, Belle Chasse is a small town. Poverty rate is 4.7%, which is pretty low. Homes are going for about $361,800 on average. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Anyone in a similar situation? People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. 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. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Property taxes are high but you get good services. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
5 upvotes
11 Replies
Sophie Ruiz
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 8 years ago from San Francisco and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in South. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 6 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like Southern.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
40 upvotes
Gabriel
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 7 years. Moved from Tampa for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. real estate 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:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Riverside 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Limited entertainment options. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 5/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
37 upvotes
Owen
yep
30 upvotes
Everett Taylor
We moved here with our family and the quality of life is solid. Schools in Fairview area are pretty good. Kids love it here.
22 upvotes
Evan Jimenez
Saving this thread
20 upvotes
Carol C.
exactly what I was thinking
18 upvotes
Scarlett Hughes
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 13 years ago from Pittsburgh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Lakewood. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in legal. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 5 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like Southern.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
18 upvotes
Mackenzie H.
hard disagree but ok
17 upvotes
Nathan Sanchez
I've lived in Midtown for about 10 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 LA, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Strong job market in several industries
- The cultural scene scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for young professionals. No regrets on my end..
8 upvotes
Xavier Parker
As someone who grew up here, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. A lot has changed in the past few years though. walkability used to be much established but now it's solid.
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