All That's Missing Is the Sea: Nizhny Novgorod's Best Microdistrict

Over 10 years ago, construction began in Nizhny Novgorod on a microdistrict that residents now consider one of the best. In a few years, it grew from a wasteland and still enjoys high demand. We decided to visit the «Yug» (South) microdistrict in the Avtozavod area to see how people live there and what they«re missing.

The residential complex began construction in 2013. It is located between Hero Shnitnikova and Bulavina Streets and sits right on the bank of the Oka River. There are 24 high-rise residential buildings on the site, built as economy-class housing. Some apartments were also purchased under preferential programs by employees of the GAZ plant.

It can be said that many Avtozavod residents living here are lucky — from their windows, they have a view of the Oka River expanses, and having their own embankment within a two-minute walk is a real advantage.

At first glance, the infrastructure in the residential complex is also good. Nearby is the Port Arthur shopping center, and across the road is the Avtozavod building of «School 800». There is also a kindergarten and two schools within walking distance.

Parallel to the construction of the residential complex, the area near the river was improved. Next to the embankment, there is a skating rink, a yacht club, a nice glamping site, and eateries where you can grab a bite.

As for snow removal, at the time of our visit, several tractors were working along the houses, clearing sidewalks and roads. Of course, there was some slush in places, but apparently, this is temporary.

This was confirmed by the residents themselves. According to them, there are no complaints about snow removal, and such problems usually don«t arise.

One of the main advantages of «Yug» is transport. Within the microdistrict boundaries alone, we counted four transport stops. Residents say it«s convenient to get from here, both towards the airport and to the city center.

«I»ve been living here for almost 10 years. When I bought the apartment, I was choosing between Burnakovka — they were built around the same time. And I don«t regret it, I don»t know how it is there, but here I really like everything. Schools, kindergartens, shops — everything is close by. Transport is excellent, buses come frequently and aren«t crowded, so you can easily get where you need to go,» said a local resident.

Another Nizhny Novgorod resident hasn«t been living here long, but her opinion of the microdistrict is positive.

«I moved here four years ago. I also lived in Avtozavod, but wanted to expand the space and decided to buy an apartment here. Really, everything is convenient and good here. Step out of the house — and everything is at hand: if you want a hairdresser, a pickup point, a shop. We have it all. The embankment is nearby, I really like everything,» said another resident.

Surprisingly, among the residents we spoke with, there were almost no complaints. The only thing mentioned by interviewees was the clinic, which requires a few bus stops to reach. People also complained about tap water, which sometimes has an unpleasant smell. But, as we know, many Avtozavod residents periodically complain about this.

Another interviewee moved to «Yug» from the Prioksky District. The woman admitted she had concerns about moving from the Nagornaya part to the Zarechnaya part. But now she doesn«t want to move back closer to the city center. At the same time, she noted that sometimes there are parking problems in the microdistrict, especially during heavy snowfall.

«I really like our embankment, we walk here in summer as if we»re somewhere in the south of Russia. All that«s missing is the sea. But instead of the sea, we have a river, and a very beautiful one. There are always many people here. In winter, we have a skating rink right under the window, in summer walks, beauty,» shared a Nizhny Novgorod resident.

The Nizhny Novgorod resident added that for complete happiness, she lacks a Spar store close by. She says there are stores from other popular chains, but her family is used to shopping there, so they have to go to a neighboring one.

«I don»t even know what else to complain about,« the woman concluded with a smile.

By the way, earlier we compiled a rating of microdistricts that Nizhny Novgorod residents consider the best. «Yug» was praised by many of our readers. To find out in which other places in Nizhny people like to live — read here.