Random thought, My partner and I are Crime rate is something to consider -Severn sits at 593.4 per 100K. You can expect to pay around $2,082 for rent here. Poverty rate is 4.1%, which is pretty low. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The suburbs are where most families end up. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Any help is appreciated. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The suburbs are where most families end up. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
26 upvotes
28 Replies
jonathan_guy
as a local I can confirm
39 upvotes
Lucy Morris
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is food scene. it's exactly what I was looking for. Worth doing your research before committing.
38 upvotes
Naomi Mendoza
I've lived in Old Town for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Houston, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Active local events and festivals
- The outdoor recreation scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Summers can be brutally hot
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for families. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
38 upvotes
Savannah R.
I've lived in Riverside for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Charlotte, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good schools in most areas
- The food scene scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for remote workers. Definitely worth checking out..
35 upvotes
Joseph Rogers
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 10 years ago from Raleigh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in West. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in engineering. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 3 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like Southern.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
35 upvotes
Sophie C.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is outdoor recreation. it was the best decision I ever made. Worth doing your research before committing.
27 upvotes
Kennedy James
following this thread
25 upvotes
Cameron Lee
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it was the best decision I ever made. Internet is tough in most areas.
25 upvotes
isaac_fan
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 44, moved here 1 years ago from Austin. I've lived in The Heights and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The pet-friendliness situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for singles. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 Austin, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $60K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
24 upvotes
John Walker
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from New York about 1 years ago. The main reasons were weather and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good healthcare facilities
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are manageable, gas is challenging.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Feel free to reach out with questions..
24 upvotes
Luke Gonzalez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 7 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Eastside side vs the Riverside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
23 upvotes
Luke Gonzalez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 13 years. Moved from Baltimore for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. 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. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Sunset schools are excellent. 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. Limited public transit options. Dating scene is rough. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 6/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
21 upvotes
Adam Myers
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value weather, you'll love it. The outdoor recreation is genuinely tough and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (South) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Salt Lake City, be prepared for the culture shock. job market is completely different here. And Not very walkable outside downtown.
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
Maverick Ramos
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The outdoor recreation is genuinely underrated and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Downtown) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Seattle, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
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.
19 upvotes
Sofia
exactly what I was thinking
19 upvotes
Lily Davis
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want outdoor recreation, then yeah this place is great. But if food scene matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
18 upvotes
Jonathan
not my experience at all
17 upvotes
Jace Hughes
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 8 years ago from Charlotte and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Riverside. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in government. If you're in engineering you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like Mexican.
Definitely worth checking out..
16 upvotes
Isaac Rodriguez
Hot take but it's exactly what I was looking for. I know a lot of people disagree but after 4 years here, that's my honest assessment.
15 upvotes
cool_roman64
hard disagree but ok
14 upvotes
Sofia A.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 24, moved here 11 years ago from Houston. I've lived in South and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Close to major attractions
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Dating scene is rough
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The school system situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for remote workers. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 Houston, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $90K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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
Weston R.
My experience has been mostly positive. it was the best decision I ever made. The only thing I'd watch out for is job market. Other than that, Hope this helps!.
11 upvotes
Lori L.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 4 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The South side vs the Maple Ridge side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
10 upvotes
sd_carson
couldn't agree more
5 upvotes
Allison
nah I disagree
4 upvotes
Eleanor Foster
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 52, moved here 3 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The outdoor recreation situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for retirees. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 Baltimore, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
3 upvotes
tampa_stella
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is traffic. it's been a really good experience overall. Worth doing your research before committing.
2 upvotes
Victoria Collins
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. healthcare used to be much wild but now it's excellent.
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