Hey, The unemployment rate is 5.3%, which is about average. Household incomes average around $56,398 in Schenectady. It's a a smaller city city with about 68,521 people. Average temperature is around 49--F, so expect cold winters. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. What are your go-to spots? Thanks in advance! People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
28 upvotes
4 Replies
Mason
not my experience at all
28 upvotes
Carolyn T.
exactly what I was thinking
24 upvotes
la_genesis
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want traffic, then yeah this place is great. But if outdoor recreation matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
24 upvotes
Isaiah Davis
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 13 years. Moved from Charlotte for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. real estate 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:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Riverside schools are underrated. 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. Nightlife is limited. Chain restaurants dominate. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 5/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.