Hi all, I'm a college student here and Homes are going for about $311,800 on average. With a population of 118K, Billings is a mid-size city. The unemployment rate is 2.3%, which is pretty low. You can expect to pay around $1,097 for rent here. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's changing fast — some good, some not so much. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The weather takes some getting used to. The weather takes some getting used to. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The weather takes some getting used to. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
28 upvotes
3 Replies
Brooks W.
I've lived in Old Town for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from LA, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good healthcare facilities
- The school system scene is solid
The downsides:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for couples. Good luck with whatever you decide..
26 upvotes
Elizabeth Cook
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 9 years. Moved from San Francisco for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is underrated - 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. Riverside schools are decent. 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Bugs and humidity in summer. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 8/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
22 upvotes
Violet Perez
As someone who grew up here, I'm still on the fence after all this time. A lot has changed in the past few years though. school system used to be much manageable but now it's challenging.
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