Anyone else feel this way? I'm retired and You can expect to pay around $1,225 for rent here. Household incomes average around $89,040 in Helena Valley West Central. Crime rate is something to consider -Helena Valley West Central sits at 527.9 per 100K. Rent is about $1,225/month for a decent place. The weather takes some getting used to. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Thoughts? It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Property taxes are high but you get good services. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The city has invested a lot in new development.
5 upvotes
3 Replies
Kaylee M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 41, moved here 14 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Riverside and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Friendly community, easy to meet people
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The pet-friendliness situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for couples. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- North: 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 excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with 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.
31 upvotes
William Martinez
Used to live on the West side, now on the East side. Completely different vibe. it's not perfect but it works for me.
23 upvotes
charlottevibes2024
Public transit is surprisingly good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. the quality of life is solid.
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