Hi all, I'm originally from Las Vegas and The unemployment rate is 5.6%, which is about average. Median household income is $61,742, which feels about average for the area. Homes are going for about $227,000 on average. Average temperature is around 49--F, so expect cold winters. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The weather takes some getting used to. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
Pros:
- Nice parks and trails
- Growing food scene
- Walkable downtown
Cons:
- Cold winters
- Lack of diversity
- Homelessness issues downtown
Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The weather takes some getting used to. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The food scene here is surprisingly good. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
15 upvotes
14 Replies
Eva
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 15 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Sunset side vs the Lakewood side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
34 upvotes
Austin M.
I've lived in Riverside for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Dallas, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Affordable housing options
- The public transit scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Limited high-paying job options
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for retirees. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
24 upvotes
Melanie
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 4 years ago from Denver and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Oak Park. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in government. If you're in education you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like Indian.
Hope this helps!.
23 upvotes
Charlotte C.
preach
23 upvotes
Jaxon Cruz
I've lived in Riverside for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Charlotte, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Active local events and festivals
- The weather scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Dating scene is rough
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for families. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
22 upvotes
Elena
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from New York about 9 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Decent public transit for the size
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are affordable, gas is pretty good.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
21 upvotes
Ezra D.
bump
14 upvotes
Autumn Martin
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is nightlife. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Worth doing your research before committing.
13 upvotes
Philip C.
I've lived in Highland for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Boston, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Decent public transit for the size
- The outdoor recreation scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for retirees. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
12 upvotes
Hudson Hughes
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Eastside for 3 years. Moved from LA for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. education 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:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Eastside schools are excellent. 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. Bugs and humidity in summer. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 9/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
10 upvotes
Samuel H.
spot on
9 upvotes
Virginia E.
Weather-wise, the summers are underrated and winters are reasonable. You get used to it after the first year.
4 upvotes
Kai A.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's not perfect but it works for me. Internet is tough in most areas.
1 upvotes
happy_austin77
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cost of living, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely tough and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (Midtown) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Phoenix, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability is completely different here. And Not a lot of cultural diversity.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
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