Alright, I've been here for 9 years and Crime rate is something to consider -Anderson sits at 969.4 per 100K. Homes are going for about $199,600 on average. Rent is about $965/month for a decent place. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Anyone in a similar situation? The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
16 upvotes
7 Replies
Aiden Anderson
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 9 years ago from Portland and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Meadowbrook. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in manufacturing. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 10 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like Asian.
No regrets on my end..
37 upvotes
Kathleen E.
Weather-wise, the summers are underrated and winters are established. You get used to it after the first year.
34 upvotes
Jameson M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 51, moved here 11 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in The Heights and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Can feel isolated
3. The safety situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for young professionals. average vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$80K 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.
33 upvotes
kennedy_local
Bought a house here in 2023 and it's not perfect but it works for me. Property values have gone about the same since then.
13 upvotes
Kayden H.
Public transit is improving here. You'll probably need a car for most things. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
12 upvotes
coastal_sarah31
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 6 years. Moved from Miami for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have desert landscapes 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Dating scene is rough. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
4 upvotes
bostongirl2024
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Springfield for 14 years. Moved from Chicago for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth down slightly 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:**
engineering is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is decent - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Springfield schools are solid. 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. Nightlife is limited. Bugs and humidity in summer. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 8/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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