So, I'm a 37-year-old police officer and With a population of 5,508, Spring Valley is a small town. Homes are going for about $125,000 on average. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
13 upvotes
13 Replies
Ella J.
Moved here last year, no regrets.
39 upvotes
Cooper R.
I've lived in East for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by food scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The outdoor recreation scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for young professionals. Definitely worth checking out..
32 upvotes
Hannah P.
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 10 years ago from LA. I've lived in Uptown and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited entertainment options
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The safety situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for remote workers. decent 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 LA, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $70K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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
Willow Rogers
yeah no that's not right
21 upvotes
Aubrey Hill
accurate
17 upvotes
Aria Ruiz
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 35, moved here 13 years ago from LA. I've lived in Westside and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Close to major attractions
2. Diverse dining options
3. Strong sense of community
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. Can feel isolated
3. The school system situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for retirees. 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 LA, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $90K-$110K 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.
17 upvotes
Isaac Moore
Moved here last year, no regrets.
14 upvotes
Ellie A.
Came here for weather and stayed because it's been a really good experience overall. The community vibe is honestly excellent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
14 upvotes
liam_vibes
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is healthcare. it's exactly what I was looking for. Worth doing your research before committing.
13 upvotes
Isaiah Gomez
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want cost of living, then yeah this place is great. But if housing market matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
8 upvotes
Emmett Torres
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are solid, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
8 upvotes
Eugene R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 57, moved here 14 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Fairview and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Limited shopping options
3. The cost of living situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for couples. decent vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 Seattle, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $60K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
8 upvotes
Asher Mendoza
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 56, moved here 12 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Westside and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Close to major attractions
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The safety situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for couples. improving vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: 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 decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $60K-$90K 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.
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