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Leo Stewart
qa
How are the schools in Boston?
So, I grew up here but left for a while. It's changing fast — some good, some n
25 upvotes
21 Replies
Levi Cruz
I've lived in The Heights for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Tampa, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Decent public transit for the size
- The outdoor recreation scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for couples. Hope this helps!.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Tampa, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Decent public transit for the size
- The outdoor recreation scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for couples. Hope this helps!.
39 upvotes
Katherine L.
We moved here with our family and it was the best decision I ever made. Schools in Highland area are better than expected. Kids love it here.
38 upvotes
Lydia Ruiz
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Charlotte about 11 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are pricey, gas is excellent.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. No regrets on my end..
I'm a writer who relocated here from Charlotte about 11 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are pricey, gas is excellent.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. No regrets on my end..
37 upvotes
true_adeline76
The food scene here is better than expected. Tons of great BBQ places. I love the pace of life here.
32 upvotes
Eleanor Roberts
I work in tech here and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The job market for my field is solid. Definitely worth checking out..
32 upvotes
Emily F.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want walkability, then yeah this place is great. But if cost of living matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
31 upvotes
Cooper Price
following this thread
31 upvotes
Vivian R.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want walkability, then yeah this place is great. But if community vibe matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
31 upvotes
Carter Peterson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 26, moved here 5 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Springfield and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The weather situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for retirees. average vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from San Francisco, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
Background: I'm a electrician, 26, moved here 5 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Springfield and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The weather situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for retirees. average vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from San Francisco, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
30 upvotes
Reagan Cook
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The public transit is genuinely solid and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (The Heights) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Salt Lake City, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The public transit is genuinely solid and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (The Heights) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Salt Lake City, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
25 upvotes
Mason Anderson
same here
23 upvotes
Barbara F.
Hot take but it exceeded my expectations. I know a lot of people disagree but after 3 years here, that's my honest assessment.
23 upvotes
Roman Cruz
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 Atlanta for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have desert landscapes 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 surprisingly good. 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. Property taxes are high. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Riverside for 9 years. Moved from Atlanta for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have desert landscapes 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 surprisingly good. 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. Property taxes are high. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
20 upvotes
Santiago E.
Hot take but I love the pace of life here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 15 years here, that's my honest assessment.
20 upvotes
Jace Brooks
I work in finance here and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The job market for my field is improving. No regrets on my end..
16 upvotes
Quinn J.
The food scene here is average. Tons of great Vietnamese places. it's not perfect but it works for me.
16 upvotes
Cameron Clark
wish I knew this sooner
10 upvotes
Owen Morris
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value community vibe, you'll love it. The job market is genuinely challenging and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (Lakewood) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from New York, be prepared for the culture shock. cost of living is completely different here. And Nightlife is limited.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
If you value community vibe, you'll love it. The job market is genuinely challenging and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (Lakewood) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from New York, be prepared for the culture shock. cost of living is completely different here. And Nightlife is limited.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
10 upvotes
Leonardo Wilson
good to know, thanks
1 upvotes
Mason Rogers
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from San Francisco about 14 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Four distinct seasons
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are pricey, gas is solid.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from San Francisco about 14 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Four distinct seasons
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are pricey, gas is solid.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
1 upvotes
Abigail P.
I've lived in Eastside for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Phoenix, I was surprised by community vibe. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good healthcare facilities
- The cost of living scene is tough
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for young professionals. Feel free to reach out with questions..
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Phoenix, I was surprised by community vibe. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good healthcare facilities
- The cost of living scene is tough
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for young professionals. Feel free to reach out with questions..
0 upvotes