The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
5 upvotes
7 Replies
Alexander Myers
I work in hospitality here and it was the best decision I ever made. The job market for my field is average. Hope this helps!.
37 upvotes
Ethan Ruiz
yep
20 upvotes
adeline_guy
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 12 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is cultural scene. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Midtown side vs the Uptown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
18 upvotes
Jonathan Alvarez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 1 years. Moved from Boston for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2023 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. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have beaches 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 tough. 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. Nightlife is limited. Bugs and humidity in summer. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 6/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
10 upvotes
Wesley Torres
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. it's been a really good experience overall. Compared to San Diego it's hit or miss.
5 upvotes
Lily Martin
Weather-wise, the summers are challenging and winters are affordable. You get used to it after the first year.