Hello, Born and raised here. You can expect to pay around $1,877 for rent here. The median home value here is around $429,900, which is pretty steep. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The city has invested a lot in new development.
14 upvotes
17 Replies
native_noah56
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 15 years. Moved from Portland for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have hiking trails 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 pretty good. 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. Property taxes are high. Bugs and humidity in summer. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 5/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
39 upvotes
Joan H.
As someone who grew up here, it's not perfect but it works for me. A lot has changed in the past few years though. cultural scene used to be much reasonable but now it's challenging.
37 upvotes
Isla
Can confirm, been here 11 years.
35 upvotes
Elena R.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in The Heights for 4 years. Moved from San Francisco for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. engineering 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 exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is average - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. The Heights schools are decent. 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
35 upvotes
alexander_life
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. I have mixed feelings honestly. Compared to Tampa it's hit or miss.
31 upvotes
Isabelle Phillips
been saying this for years
29 upvotes
Ellie H.
big facts right here
27 upvotes
Lily R.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Internet is underrated in most areas.
25 upvotes
Samuel J.
been saying this for years
13 upvotes
Emmett Torres
haha yep pretty much
7 upvotes
Savannah Adams
this is the way
6 upvotes
Connor H.
glad someone said it
5 upvotes
Aaron
We moved here with our family and I have mixed feelings honestly. Schools in Pine Hills area are better than expected. Kids love it here.
4 upvotes
Colton Gomez
Moved here from Phoenix about 1 years ago. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Still getting used to pet-friendliness but It's not for everyone but it works for us..
3 upvotes
Lucas J.
The food scene here is challenging. Tons of great farm-to-table places. it exceeded my expectations.
1 upvotes
Nevaeh Mitchell
We moved here with our family and it exceeded my expectations. Schools in Springfield area are excellent. Kids love it here.
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