Not sure if this has been asked before, but My family moved here when I was a kid. Crime rate is something to consider -Reston sits at 194.2 per 100K. Household incomes average around $139,515 in Reston. Homes are going for about $616,000 on average. Average temperature is around 54--F, so expect cold winters. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. What neighborhoods would you suggest? Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The city has invested a lot in new development. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
19 upvotes
7 Replies
Lucy Wright
Bought a house here in 2018 and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
26 upvotes
Brooks W.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Minneapolis about 1 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Decent public transit for the size
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are stable, gas is average.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Hope this helps!.
25 upvotes
Landon W.
Came here for my partner's job and stayed because it's exactly what I was looking for. The safety is honestly average and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
23 upvotes
Isaiah Watson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 35, moved here 14 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Greenfield and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Affordable housing options
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The cultural scene situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for remote workers. surprisingly good 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 Seattle, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$100K 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.
9 upvotes
Isabella J.
not my experience at all
7 upvotes
Christian Kim
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 7 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into running, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The South side vs the Maple Ridge side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
6 upvotes
Evan Hill
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 14 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is cultural scene. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The The Heights side vs the Old Town side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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