Alright, Crime rate is something to consider -Soddy-Daisy sits at 238.8 per 100K. Poverty rate is 4.8%, which is pretty low. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Should I be concerned? The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
13 upvotes
10 Replies
John D.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 31, moved here 11 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in Pine Hills and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Summers can be brutally hot
3. The traffic situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for couples. tough vibes, walkable.
- Sunset: 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 Atlanta, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
40 upvotes
Clara Williams
Can confirm, been here 4 years.
39 upvotes
Noah Rodriguez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Midtown for 4 years. Moved from Austin for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is tough - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Midtown schools are tough. 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
37 upvotes
Hudson Mendoza
Came here for quality of life and stayed because I genuinely enjoy living here. The cost of living is honestly challenging and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
34 upvotes
stllover2022
Bought a house here in 2015 and it's been a really good experience overall. Property values have gone about the same since then.
31 upvotes
Kennedy Torres
glad someone said it
30 upvotes
Avery Jones
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 12 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is average - 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. Riverside schools are improving. 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. Urban sprawl is real. Limited entertainment options. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 6/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
23 upvotes
Jose Peterson
I've lived in East for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from Charlotte, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Strong job market in several industries
- The walkability scene is decent
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for couples. Feel free to reach out with questions..
22 upvotes
Adam N.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 14 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into running, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Highland side vs the North side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
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