So, I'm a teacher here and Household incomes average around $96,085 in Glen Allen. Median household income is $96,085, which feels pretty solid for the area. Rent is about $1,719/month for a decent place. The unemployment rate is 3.0%, which is pretty low. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The suburbs are where most families end up. Would love some local perspective. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
15 upvotes
5 Replies
Aria Murphy
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 14 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Springfield side vs the Westside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
20 upvotes
Brooks King
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is traffic. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Worth doing your research before committing.
19 upvotes
Austin Lee
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 25, moved here 14 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The dating scene situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for families. decent vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is competitive. 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.
18 upvotes
Gary M.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are improving, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
15 upvotes
Katherine C.
I've lived in Midtown for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Seattle, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Lots of new development happening
- Four distinct seasons
- The weather scene is decent
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for singles. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
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