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wild_peyton71
best-worst
Mount Vernon vs Dallas -which is better?
Hey folks, I'm a 27-year-old physical therapist and Average temperature is around 52--F, so expect cold winters.
8 upvotes
29 Replies
minneapolis_wesley
hard disagree but ok
40 upvotes
Lillian Stewart
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 1 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Highland side vs the Westside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
I've been here 1 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Highland side vs the Westside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
38 upvotes
Brooklyn Y.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 5 years. Moved from LA for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. tech 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 improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have beaches 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 hit or miss. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Limited entertainment options. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 6/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Riverside for 5 years. Moved from LA for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. tech 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 improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have beaches 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 hit or miss. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Limited entertainment options. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 6/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
38 upvotes
Isaiah Martin
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from Minneapolis about 14 years ago. The main reasons were family and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Strong job market in several industries
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Limited entertainment options
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are established, gas is challenging.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from Minneapolis about 14 years ago. The main reasons were family and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Strong job market in several industries
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Limited entertainment options
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are established, gas is challenging.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
38 upvotes
Axel Cox
hard disagree but ok
33 upvotes
George K.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Compared to Tampa it's improving.
33 upvotes
local_scarlett95
My experience has been mostly positive. it's not perfect but it works for me. The only thing I'd watch out for is housing market. Other than that, No regrets on my end..
31 upvotes
Eli Lee
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 11 years. Moved from San Diego for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. education 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 was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Downtown schools are tough. 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Far from beaches/mountains. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 5/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Downtown for 11 years. Moved from San Diego for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. education 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 was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Downtown schools are tough. 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Far from beaches/mountains. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 5/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
30 upvotes
Savannah Mitchell
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cost of living, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely challenging and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (Westside) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Seattle, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
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.
If you value cost of living, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely challenging and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (Westside) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Seattle, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
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.
29 upvotes
Nova Thompson
This.
27 upvotes
Quinn Castillo
following this thread
27 upvotes
Evelyn P.
following this thread
26 upvotes
Luke Nguyen
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 10 years ago from Tampa and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Greenfield. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in consulting. If you're in finance you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 9 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like Vietnamese.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Greenfield. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in consulting. If you're in finance you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 9 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like Vietnamese.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
25 upvotes
alice_heart
As someone who grew up here, it was the best decision I ever made. A lot has changed in the past few years though. traffic used to be much competitive but now it's underrated.
22 upvotes
Lydia Stewart
accurate
20 upvotes
Samuel Smith
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 58, moved here 11 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Pine Hills and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The safety situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for couples. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: 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 improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
Background: I'm a social worker, 58, moved here 11 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Pine Hills and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The safety situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for couples. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: 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 improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
20 upvotes
Axel Castillo
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 10 years ago from Nashville and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Fairview. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in construction. If you're in engineering you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 10 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Fairview. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in construction. If you're in engineering you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 10 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
19 upvotes
Jackson Morgan
exactly what I was thinking
18 upvotes
tucson_eleanor
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 46, moved here 15 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Oak Park and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The school system situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for singles. tough vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 San Diego, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $70K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
Background: I'm a writer, 46, moved here 15 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Oak Park and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The school system situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for singles. tough vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 San Diego, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $70K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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
Donna M.
Weather-wise, the summers are average and winters are affordable. You get used to it after the first year.
17 upvotes
Carson Bailey
following this thread
16 upvotes
Julian
Moved here last year, no regrets.
15 upvotes
Reagan Long
Bought a house here in 2017 and it's not perfect but it works for me. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
15 upvotes
Cora Jackson
Moved here last year, no regrets.
12 upvotes
Maya M.
We moved here with our family and I genuinely enjoy living here. Schools in Fairview area are challenging. Kids love it here.
11 upvotes
Jack L.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 13 years ago from Pittsburgh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Fairview. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 3 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like Italian.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Fairview. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 3 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like Italian.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
8 upvotes
Jack Smith
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 55, moved here 8 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in Lakewood and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Decent public transit for the size
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Can feel isolated
3. The job market situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for couples. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- East: 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 Nashville, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $100K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
Background: I'm a social worker, 55, moved here 8 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in Lakewood and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Decent public transit for the size
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Can feel isolated
3. The job market situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for couples. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- East: 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 Nashville, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $100K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
8 upvotes
Hazel Gutierrez
noted, appreciate it
3 upvotes
Bella
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value school system, you'll love it. The public transit is genuinely improving and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Pine Hills) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Denver, be prepared for the culture shock. safety is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
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.
If you value school system, you'll love it. The public transit is genuinely improving and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Pine Hills) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Denver, be prepared for the culture shock. safety is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
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.
3 upvotes