Not sure if this has been asked before, but Been living here since 2011. You can expect to pay around $671 for rent here. With a population of 1,397, Renville is a small town. Household incomes average around $73,750 in Renville. Average temperature is around 45--F, so bundle up in winter. It's a a small town city with about 1,397 people. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The city has invested a lot in new development. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Would love some local perspective. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
12 upvotes
4 Replies
Jose Ortiz
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 2 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Eastside side vs the Meadowbrook side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
24 upvotes
Miles Hernandez
following this thread
21 upvotes
Lucy Wright
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 54, moved here 11 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Midtown and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The healthcare situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for young professionals. solid 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 Phoenix, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$90K 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.
14 upvotes
Jeremiah Ramirez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Portland about 11 years ago. The main reasons were work and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are established, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Happy to answer more specific questions..