Hi all, Just moved here 6 months ago and Household incomes average around $130,556 in St. James. Average temperature is around 53--F, so expect cold winters. Crime rate is something to consider -St. James sits at 22.0 per 100K. Median household income is $130,556, which feels pretty solid for the area. Poverty rate is 0.9%, which is pretty low. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
Pros:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Walkable downtown
- Good internet infrastructure
- Plenty of shopping options
Cons:
- Traffic can be terrible
- Rising rent prices
- Not very walkable
- Mosquitoes and humidity
- Limited cultural events
Any advice would be great. Thanks! People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Property taxes are high but you get good services. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
2 upvotes
11 Replies
Hannah Young
I'm a writer and I've found the quality of life is solid. The community is improving and there's always something going on.
29 upvotes
Camila Rivera
Bought a house here in 2019 and it exceeded my expectations. Property values have gone about the same since then.
26 upvotes
urban_silas80
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The cultural scene is genuinely pretty good and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Maple Ridge) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Houston, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation 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.
23 upvotes
Nolan Thompson
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value public transit, you'll love it. The safety is genuinely average and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (Greenfield) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Pittsburgh, be prepared for the culture shock. cultural scene is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
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.
22 upvotes
Noah Miller
nah I disagree
16 upvotes
Joshua G.
Hot take but it's not perfect but it works for me. I know a lot of people disagree but after 6 years here, that's my honest assessment.
9 upvotes
Jack C.
Used to live on the Greenfield side, now on the Sunset side. Completely different vibe. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
4 upvotes
Bella Anderson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 50, moved here 6 years ago from LA. I've lived in Pine Hills and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Dating scene is rough
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The housing market situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for retirees. decent vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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
Waylon Wood
Bought a house here in 2021 and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Property values have gone about the same since then.
2 upvotes
Adeline B.
I've lived in Riverside for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from Dallas, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Close to major attractions
- Diverse dining options
- The cultural scene scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Nightlife is limited
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for remote workers. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
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