Been meaning to ask this. Born and raised here. Rent is about $1,675/month for a decent place. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Any advice would be great. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
11 upvotes
3 Replies
Maya Watson
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Compared to Chicago it's hit or miss.
37 upvotes
Timothy C.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 53, moved here 6 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Riverside and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Nice parks and green spaces
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The weather situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for singles. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 San Diego, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
18 upvotes
Wyatt
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Miami about 11 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Dating scene is rough
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are reasonable, gas is average.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Feel free to reach out with questions..
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