OK so We're a young couple and Crime rate is something to consider -Staunton sits at 204.6 per 100K. You can expect to pay around $993 for rent here. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
1 upvotes
7 Replies
Katherine
as a local I can confirm
23 upvotes
Ethan S.
accurate
22 upvotes
Bryan R.
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.
17 upvotes
Bennett Hill
lol so true
15 upvotes
Aiden Reed
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 49, moved here 13 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Riverside and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The healthcare situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for retirees. pretty good 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 Boston, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$90K 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.
13 upvotes
Isaiah Myers
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Uptown for 2 years. Moved from Boston for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth about the same 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:**
retail 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:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is tough - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Uptown schools are challenging. 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. Homeless population growing downtown. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 9/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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