Random thought, Been living here since 2005. Median household income is $79,087, which feels about average for the area. The unemployment rate is 3.9%, which is pretty low. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Worth the trade-offs? Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
26 upvotes
7 Replies
Elijah
Moved here from Salt Lake City about 13 years ago. the quality of life is solid. Still getting used to public transit but Good luck with whatever you decide..
35 upvotes
Anna Green
I've lived in Meadowbrook for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from New York, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Four distinct seasons
- The food scene scene is average
The downsides:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for retirees. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
33 upvotes
Joshua W.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 24, moved here 5 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Lakewood and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The food scene situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for singles. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 Phoenix, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $70K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
27 upvotes
Allison Davis
hard disagree but ok
15 upvotes
Savannah Foster
seconding this
5 upvotes
Parker Harris
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 11 years. Moved from Boston for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have rivers 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 hit or miss. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Chain restaurants dominate. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, 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.
4 upvotes
Kinsley R.
I've lived in Westside for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's not perfect but it works for me. When I first moved here from Atlanta, I was surprised by food scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Lots of new development happening
- Four distinct seasons
- The food scene scene is tough
The downsides:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for families. Definitely worth checking out..
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