OK so With a population of 3,006, Reliez Valley is a small town. Average temperature is around 62--F, so the weather is moderate. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Worth the trade-offs? Appreciate any input.
12 upvotes
9 Replies
Eliana Perez
Hot take but I have mixed feelings honestly. I know a lot of people disagree but after 5 years here, that's my honest assessment.
35 upvotes
Jaxon
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 37, moved here 3 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in Riverside and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited shopping options
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The housing market situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for young professionals. hit or miss 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 Charlotte, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$80K 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.
33 upvotes
Victoria Castillo
I've lived in Fairview for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from Minneapolis, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Strong job market in several industries
- The pet-friendliness scene is improving
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for couples. No regrets on my end..
31 upvotes
Carter P.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Internet is surprisingly good in most areas.
28 upvotes
Owen Thomas
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 32, moved here 10 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Riverside and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Can feel isolated
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The walkability situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for singles. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $80K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
28 upvotes
Matthew C.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value weather, you'll love it. The public transit is genuinely pretty good and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (East) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Baltimore, be prepared for the culture shock. nightlife 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.
22 upvotes
Delilah James
Public transit is underrated here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's been a really good experience overall.
12 upvotes
Kinsley Morris
Used to live on the Westside side, now on the Maple Ridge side. Completely different vibe. I love the pace of life here.
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