Longtime lurker here, I'm a 35-year-old physical therapist and It's a a smaller city city with about 46,015 people. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Am I overthinking this?
7 upvotes
3 Replies
Matthew K.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 4 years. Moved from San Diego for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2024 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. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is solid - 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 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Homeless population growing downtown. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
39 upvotes
Lillian Torres
wish I knew this sooner
38 upvotes
Cora S.
My experience has been mostly positive. it's been a really good experience overall. The only thing I'd watch out for is outdoor recreation. Other than that, Feel free to reach out with questions..