So, With a population of 9,952, DuPont is a small town. You can expect to pay around $2,230 for rent here. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The city has invested a lot in new development. What do you all think?
0 upvotes
15 Replies
Nathan C.
spot on
34 upvotes
Eleanor Moore
Hot take but it was the best decision I ever made. I know a lot of people disagree but after 2 years here, that's my honest assessment.
30 upvotes
Jack Smith
Came here for weather and stayed because it's been a really good experience overall. The cultural scene is honestly underrated and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
28 upvotes
dc_genesis
Moved here last year, no regrets.
25 upvotes
Austin Gutierrez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 10 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into running, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Sunset side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
22 upvotes
David Wilson
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 6 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The East side vs the Sunset side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
21 upvotes
Mia Moore
I'm a physical therapist and I've found I love the pace of life here. The community is pretty good and there's always something going on.
21 upvotes
Paul W.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in The Heights for 5 years. Moved from Portland for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth down slightly 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:**
healthcare is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is excellent - 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. The Heights schools are average. 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. Limited shopping options. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 9/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
18 upvotes
Valentina K.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 13 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Riverside side vs the South side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
18 upvotes
Violet Kelly
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 52, moved here 4 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The job market situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for families. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 Nashville, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $90K-$70K 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.
15 upvotes
Joshua Evans
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from New York about 12 years ago. The main reasons were family and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Active local events and festivals
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are manageable, gas is decent.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
14 upvotes
Sarah Nelson
Public transit is better than expected here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I love the pace of life here.
11 upvotes
Nathan
I've lived in Riverside for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Portland, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Affordable housing options
- The walkability scene is underrated
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for singles. Hope this helps!.
7 upvotes
Ian M.
This.
7 upvotes
nolalocal2021
As someone who grew up here, I have mixed feelings honestly. A lot has changed in the past few years though. safety used to be much developing but now it's underrated.