Hi all, Been living here since 2007. Average temperature is around 50--F, so expect cold winters. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Any help is appreciated. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The weather takes some getting used to. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
26 upvotes
15 Replies
Roman Mitchell
My experience has been mostly positive. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The only thing I'd watch out for is housing market. Other than that, Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
39 upvotes
Ethan Gray
hard disagree but ok
32 upvotes
Kaylee R.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want traffic, then yeah this place is great. But if cost of living matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
29 upvotes
raised_brooks63
honestly same experience here
27 upvotes
Ethan Parker
yep
24 upvotes
Ian P.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are decent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
21 upvotes
Alice Roberts
I've lived in Riverside for about 14 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 San Francisco, I was surprised by community vibe. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good healthcare facilities
- The school system scene is average
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for couples. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
20 upvotes
Ella
This.
18 upvotes
Nolan
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 32, moved here 5 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Westside and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The healthcare situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for retirees. tough vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: 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 Austin, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
17 upvotes
chill_daniel43
following this thread
12 upvotes
Allison Brown
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 13 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Downtown side vs the Fairview side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
12 upvotes
Jacob Collins
wish I knew this sooner
11 upvotes
Brielle Adams
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from Raleigh about 11 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are affordable, gas is average.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
8 upvotes
Bella Wood
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from New York about 3 years ago. The main reasons were family and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are competitive, gas is improving.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Hope this helps!.
7 upvotes
Ezra Rogers
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I have mixed feelings honestly. Internet is average in most areas.
All Countries
