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Eliana Smith living

Raising a family in Danville -thoughts?

Crime rate is something to consider -Danville sits at 51.1 per 100K. It's a a smaller city city with about 43,426 people. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Any advice would be great.
4 upvotes

13 Replies

Ellie Roberts
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.

I'm a social worker who relocated here from Miami about 11 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and weather.

Pros I've experienced:
- Lots of new development happening
- Good internet infrastructure
- Active local events and festivals

Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Dating scene is rough

Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are affordable, gas is surprisingly good.

Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
40 upvotes
Maya Peterson
We moved here with our family and I have mixed feelings honestly. Schools in Riverside area are average. Kids love it here.
35 upvotes
declan_walker
Public transit is better than expected here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's been a really good experience overall.
34 upvotes
columbus_ava
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.

If you value nightlife, you'll love it. The public transit is genuinely hit or miss and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (Westside) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.

But if you're coming from New York, be prepared for the culture shock. cultural scene is completely different here. And Can feel isolated.

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.
34 upvotes
Julia Hill
facts
31 upvotes
Nova Richardson
I've lived in West for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.

I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Houston, I was surprised by safety. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.

A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Active local events and festivals
- The public transit scene is underrated

The downsides:
- Limited shopping options
- Far from beaches/mountains

Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for retirees. Happy to answer more specific questions..
31 upvotes
Santiago B.
As someone who grew up here, it's improved dramatically in recent years. A lot has changed in the past few years though. school system used to be much competitive but now it's underrated.
30 upvotes
stlmind2021
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.

If you value job market, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely improving and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (Meadowbrook) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.

But if you're coming from Denver, be prepared for the culture shock. housing market 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.
29 upvotes
Jackson Wright
thanks for sharing
19 upvotes
Bennett H.
The food scene here is better than expected. Tons of great Mexican places. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
19 upvotes
Gabriella Gomez
exactly what I was thinking
14 upvotes
Caroline W.
Weather-wise, the summers are hit or miss and winters are reasonable. You get used to it after the first year.
13 upvotes
true_axel63
Hot take but it's improved dramatically in recent years. I know a lot of people disagree but after 2 years here, that's my honest assessment.
0 upvotes
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