With a population of 14,051, Artondale is a small town. Poverty rate is 1.0%, which is pretty low. Rent is about $2,121/month for a decent place. Household incomes average around $156,908 in Artondale. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
15 upvotes
9 Replies
Allison
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 Chicago for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have mountains 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. Limited public transit options. Property taxes are high. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 5/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
40 upvotes
Dominic P.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
33 upvotes
Julian E.
+1
31 upvotes
seattle_jose
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 6 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into running, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Riverside side vs the Sunset side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
27 upvotes
Harper Anderson
+1
19 upvotes
Easton Martinez
preach
17 upvotes
Margaret A.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 24, moved here 7 years ago from LA. I've lived in Downtown and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Close to major attractions
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The weather situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for remote workers. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 LA, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $60K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
13 upvotes
Mason W.
Weather-wise, the summers are average and winters are developing. You get used to it after the first year.
5 upvotes
Luke Gonzalez
I work in hospitality here and it exceeded my expectations. The job market for my field is challenging. No regrets on my end..
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