Alright, Military spouse here. Crime rate is something to consider -Attalla sits at 103.4 per 100K. Rent is about $617/month for a decent place. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Appreciate any input. The city has invested a lot in new development. 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. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The suburbs are where most families end up. The city has invested a lot in new development.
12 upvotes
6 Replies
Theodore Morales
I've lived in Riverside for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Phoenix, I was surprised by safety. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good healthcare facilities
- The weather scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Bugs and humidity in summer
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for families. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
26 upvotes
Janice S.
The food scene here is decent. Tons of great sushi places. I genuinely enjoy living here.
17 upvotes
Avery Wright
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 8 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Old Town side vs the Downtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
15 upvotes
Ethan H.
+1
12 upvotes
Nolan Turner
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 47, moved here 15 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Old Town and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Diverse dining options
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally tough - 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 walkability situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for young professionals. tough vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 Boston, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $90K-$130K 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.
12 upvotes
Luca Young
Moved here from San Francisco about 9 years ago. I love the pace of life here. Still getting used to cultural scene but Would recommend to anyone considering it..
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