I'm a remote worker and The unemployment rate is 6.7%, which is concerning. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. What are your go-to spots? The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The city has invested a lot in new development. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
3 upvotes
9 Replies
Walter S.
I've lived in Riverside for about 6 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 Minneapolis, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good schools in most areas
- The public transit scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for young professionals. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
39 upvotes
John T.
exactly what I was thinking
39 upvotes
Oliver Reed
This.
37 upvotes
Reagan M.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want safety, then yeah this place is great. But if community vibe matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
34 upvotes
Helen W.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 40, moved here 14 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Cedar Grove and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The traffic situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for families. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- East: 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 Raleigh, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $60K-$120K 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.
29 upvotes
Stella Adams
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 traffic is genuinely tough and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (Springfield) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Atlanta, be prepared for the culture shock. cultural scene is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
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.
24 upvotes
John Davis
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Cedar Grove for 7 years. Moved from Phoenix for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is tough - 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. Cedar Grove schools are decent. 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. Winters are long and cold. Rising rent and home prices. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
19 upvotes
Sophia Brooks
I've been living here for 5 years and I'd say I genuinely enjoy living here. The nightlife is surprisingly good compared to other places I've lived. Overall Hope this helps!.
12 upvotes
Olivia
We moved here with our family and it was the best decision I ever made. Schools in The Heights area are surprisingly good. Kids love it here.
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