Not sure if this has been asked before, but I've been here for 19 years and Poverty rate is 0.8%, which is pretty low. Household incomes average around $235,491 in Broadlands. With a population of 14,673, Broadlands is a small town. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The city has invested a lot in new development. The weather takes some getting used to. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The suburbs are where most families end up. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
2 upvotes
13 Replies
Sadie Richardson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Nashville about 10 years ago. The main reasons were school and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Affordable housing options
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are wild, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
36 upvotes
Allison
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 45, moved here 6 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Maple Ridge and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Decent public transit for the size
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Winters are long and cold
3. The walkability situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for retirees. challenging vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 Raleigh, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
36 upvotes
Lawrence W.
As someone who grew up here, I love the pace of life here. A lot has changed in the past few years though. traffic used to be much developing but now it's tough.
33 upvotes
Hannah A.
Bought a house here in 2018 and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
30 upvotes
Sebastian Phillips
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. the quality of life is solid. Compared to Baltimore it's tough.
27 upvotes
Russell F.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 4 years. Moved from Nashville for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have lakes 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 hit or miss. 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. Homeless population growing downtown. Limited entertainment options. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
26 upvotes
Sarah Carter
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are pretty good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
19 upvotes
Jeremiah Sanchez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value healthcare, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely solid and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (East) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Raleigh, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability 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.
18 upvotes
denvervibes2020
not my experience at all
16 upvotes
Judy K.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 3 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The South side vs the Pine Hills side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
12 upvotes
Savannah Wright
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: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in North. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in engineering. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 11 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like Thai.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
10 upvotes
Camila Kim
interesting, hadn't considered that
7 upvotes
Anna Morris
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is pet-friendliness. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Worth doing your research before committing.
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