Longtime lurker here, With a population of 65,113, Kenner is a smaller city.
19 upvotes
8 Replies
Nora Perez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 15 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Westside schools are underrated. 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. Limited public transit options. Winters are long and cold. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 5/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
35 upvotes
Paisley R.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is job market. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Worth doing your research before committing.
27 upvotes
Harold K.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 24, moved here 15 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Fairview and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Urban sprawl is real
3. The traffic situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for singles. solid vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 Seattle, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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
Hazel A.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I love the pace of life here. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
18 upvotes
Andrea M.
I've lived in Riverside for about 6 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 Houston, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Lots of new development happening
- Active local events and festivals
- The cost of living scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Dating scene is rough
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for couples. Hope this helps!.
12 upvotes
raised_mason11
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 13 years ago from Salt Lake City and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Midtown. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in education. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 9 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: better than expected. Tons of options if you like farm-to-table.