It's a a small town city with about 8,107 people. You can expect to pay around $3,212 for rent here. With a population of 8,107, Fort Belvoir is a small town. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Am I wrong here? Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The suburbs are where most families end up. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The suburbs are where most families end up. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
3 upvotes
9 Replies
Audrey Ortiz
+1
33 upvotes
Maverick Cooper
great question, following
32 upvotes
Kaylee L.
I've lived in Highland for about 10 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from Tampa, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Strong job market in several industries
- The walkability scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for families. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
29 upvotes
Eva Taylor
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 37, moved here 5 years ago from New York. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The safety situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for retirees. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 New York, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $90K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
26 upvotes
Nancy B.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 48, moved here 11 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Midtown and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Good healthcare facilities
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Rising rent and home prices
3. The community vibe situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for young professionals. decent vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $90K-$90K 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.
23 upvotes
atlrider2020
couldn't agree more
22 upvotes
Ian Smith
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from Miami about 4 years ago. The main reasons were weather and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are affordable, gas is challenging.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
19 upvotes
Maya Walker
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. I love the pace of life here. Compared to Boston it's surprisingly good.
13 upvotes
Hannah Richardson
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are better than expected, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
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