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Aubrey D.
housing
Housing in Reston compared to Raleigh
Hey folks, Military spouse here. Rent is about $2,170/month for a decent place. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
19 upvotes
15 Replies
Eliana M.
Hot take but I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. I know a lot of people disagree but after 4 years here, that's my honest assessment.
39 upvotes
Elijah Myers
not my experience at all
37 upvotes
Emmett Watson
I've lived in Lakewood for about 10 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Good airport with direct flights
- The traffic scene is decent
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for retirees. Happy to answer more specific questions..
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Good airport with direct flights
- The traffic scene is decent
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for retirees. Happy to answer more specific questions..
24 upvotes
Michael
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value school system, you'll love it. The weather is genuinely average and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (Old Town) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Salt Lake City, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
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.
If you value school system, you'll love it. The weather is genuinely average and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (Old Town) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Salt Lake City, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
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.
20 upvotes
Cameron Sanders
Weather-wise, the summers are improving and winters are affordable. You get used to it after the first year.
20 upvotes
Nathan Jones
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a teacher who relocated here from Charlotte about 14 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are competitive, gas is improving.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Good luck with whatever you decide..
I'm a teacher who relocated here from Charlotte about 14 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are competitive, gas is improving.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Good luck with whatever you decide..
19 upvotes
Katherine C.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Compared to Boston it's underrated.
19 upvotes
Ian Miller
Saving this thread
19 upvotes
Ruby Cooper
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 9 years ago from Salt Lake City and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Lakewood. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in engineering. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 15 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like seafood.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Lakewood. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in engineering. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 15 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like seafood.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
19 upvotes
Hannah Lopez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from LA about 13 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Can feel isolated
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are established, gas is solid.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Feel free to reach out with questions..
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from LA about 13 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Can feel isolated
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are established, gas is solid.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Feel free to reach out with questions..
12 upvotes
Elizabeth Gutierrez
as a local I can confirm
10 upvotes
Brielle Bailey
good to know, thanks
9 upvotes
Aurora Nelson
Moved here from Minneapolis about 11 years ago. I genuinely enjoy living here. Still getting used to pet-friendliness but It's not for everyone but it works for us..
6 upvotes
Nicholas Torres
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 6 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is cost of living. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the Eastside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
I've been here 6 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is cost of living. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the Eastside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
5 upvotes
David G.
100%
4 upvotes