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Cooper moving

Remote worker thinking about Festus

Longtime lurker here, I'm retired and With a population of 12,965, Festus is a small town. Poverty rate is 9.9%, which is pretty low. Median household income is $70,085, which feels about average for the area. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The city has invested a lot in new development. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The city has invested a lot in new development.
2 upvotes

2 Replies

David Garcia
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.

I've been in Riverside for 12 years. Moved from Baltimore for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. 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. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.

**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.

**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have rivers 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 challenging. 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 a lot of cultural diversity. Limited shopping options. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
18 upvotes
Angel King
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 challenging and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (Maple Ridge) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.

But if you're coming from Baltimore, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare is completely different here. And Limited high-paying job 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.
11 upvotes
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