Hey folks, I'm a college student here and Crime rate is something to consider -Centreville sits at 132.4 per 100K. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Does this match your experience? The food scene here is surprisingly good. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The weather takes some getting used to.
5 upvotes
12 Replies
Victoria N.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Chicago about 4 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are wild, gas is average.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
39 upvotes
Carson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Portland about 9 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Close to major attractions
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are manageable, gas is pretty good.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Happy to answer more specific questions..
37 upvotes
Zoe Mendoza
interesting, hadn't considered that
36 upvotes
Nicholas Y.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 12 years ago from Minneapolis and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Maple Ridge. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in tech. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 17 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like Mediterranean.
Hope this helps!.
33 upvotes
Skylar Sanders
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Tampa about 12 years ago. The main reasons were school and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Decent public transit for the size
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are reasonable, gas is improving.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Hope this helps!.
31 upvotes
Allison Morgan
Used to live on the Riverside side, now on the Lakewood side. Completely different vibe. it's exactly what I was looking for.
31 upvotes
Jose Cox
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are average, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
29 upvotes
Elena Morales
Moved here from Portland about 9 years ago. it's been a really good experience overall. Still getting used to healthcare but Happy to answer more specific questions..
23 upvotes
Thomas Ruiz
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cultural scene, you'll love it. The safety is genuinely tough and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (South) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Salt Lake City, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
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
Aaliyah A.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is nightlife. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Worth doing your research before committing.
16 upvotes
raleigh_aria
My experience has been mostly positive. the quality of life is solid. The only thing I'd watch out for is healthcare. Other than that, Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
11 upvotes
Elizabeth A.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 55, moved here 2 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Highland and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Close to major attractions
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The pet-friendliness situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for remote workers. improving vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 Houston, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$70K 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.
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