Hey, I'm retired and Crime rate is something to consider -Redding sits at 667.2 per 100K. It's a a smaller city city with about 93,268 people. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The weather takes some getting used to. The weather takes some getting used to. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The suburbs are where most families end up. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
4 upvotes
4 Replies
Gabriella Perez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 35, moved here 10 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Eastside and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
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. Can feel isolated
3. The nightlife situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for young professionals. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $70K-$70K 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.
27 upvotes
Ruby
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 8 years ago from Atlanta and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Eastside. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in real estate. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 11 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like Indian.
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