Longtime lurker here, We have two kids and With a population of 1,955, Reidville is a small town. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
2 upvotes
2 Replies
Madeline Lee
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 3 years ago from Portland and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Maple Ridge. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in manufacturing. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 8 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like farm-to-table.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
31 upvotes
Scarlett Anderson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 48, moved here 12 years ago from Denver. I've lived in Riverside and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited shopping options
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The healthcare situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for families. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 Denver, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$150K 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.