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sfguy2026
qa
Internet providers in Richmond?
Hi all, Born and raised here. Thoughts? It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
43 upvotes
23 Replies
Wesley Davis
As someone who grew up here, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. A lot has changed in the past few years though. job market used to be much affordable but now it's tough.
40 upvotes
Ezekiel M.
it depends on the neighborhood
36 upvotes
Mason Nelson
Came here for family and stayed because it's not perfect but it works for me. The public transit is honestly improving and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
35 upvotes
Jackson Allen
good to know, thanks
33 upvotes
Elizabeth N.
As someone who grew up here, it was the best decision I ever made. A lot has changed in the past few years though. healthcare used to be much pricey but now it's decent.
32 upvotes
Wesley S.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's been a really good experience overall. Internet is average in most areas.
30 upvotes
Elijah R.
bump
29 upvotes
Mateo B.
yep
29 upvotes
portlandchef2023
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 12 years ago from Raleigh 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 Old Town. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 13 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like Korean.
Definitely worth checking out..
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Old Town. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 13 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like Korean.
Definitely worth checking out..
28 upvotes
Lily N.
100%
28 upvotes
Levi Ross
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Pine Hills for 9 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Pine Hills schools are challenging. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Rising rent and home prices. Limited high-paying job options. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 5/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Pine Hills for 9 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Pine Hills schools are challenging. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Rising rent and home prices. Limited high-paying job options. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 5/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
27 upvotes
Mason D.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value healthcare, you'll love it. The pet-friendliness is genuinely solid and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (South) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Minneapolis, be prepared for the culture shock. cost of living 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.
If you value healthcare, you'll love it. The pet-friendliness is genuinely solid and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (South) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Minneapolis, be prepared for the culture shock. cost of living 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.
25 upvotes
Bella
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cultural scene, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely average and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (Cedar Grove) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Tampa, 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 cultural scene, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely average and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (Cedar Grove) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Tampa, 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.
23 upvotes
Everett Cruz
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 44, moved here 1 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in East and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The housing market situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for remote workers. 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 Chicago, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$140K 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.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 44, moved here 1 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in East and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The housing market situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for remote workers. 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 Chicago, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$140K 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.
20 upvotes
Sarah
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Internet is better than expected in most areas.
9 upvotes
Nathan Smith
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Compared to Baltimore it's surprisingly good.
8 upvotes
Ellie
Moved here from Seattle about 2 years ago. the quality of life is solid. Still getting used to traffic but Feel free to reach out with questions..
7 upvotes
Isabella Walker
spot on
5 upvotes
Kaylee
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Miami about 14 years ago. The main reasons were weather and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are reasonable, gas is challenging.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Feel free to reach out with questions..
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Miami about 14 years ago. The main reasons were weather and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are reasonable, gas is challenging.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Feel free to reach out with questions..
5 upvotes
Roman Thomas
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 4 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is cultural scene. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The West side vs the East side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
I've been here 4 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is cultural scene. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The West side vs the East side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
1 upvotes
Chloe Nguyen
I've been living here for 3 years and I'd say it's not perfect but it works for me. The walkability is excellent compared to other places I've lived. Overall Good luck with whatever you decide..
1 upvotes
Kinsley Reed
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Internet is excellent in most areas.
0 upvotes
Stella T.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Compared to San Francisco it's decent.
0 upvotes