Hey everyone, My partner and I are Rent is about $1,531/month for a decent place. The median home value here is around $361,600, which seems about average. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Anyone in a similar situation? I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
9 upvotes
7 Replies
Ian Adams
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 14 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have lakes 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 surprisingly good. 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. Limited public transit options. Rising rent and home prices. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
30 upvotes
Waylon Turner
been saying this for years
30 upvotes
Mia Chavez
hmm interesting perspective
27 upvotes
Kaylee
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 4 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is cost of living. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The South side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
18 upvotes
Amelia Hill
I've lived in North for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Miami, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- The weather scene is solid
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for retirees. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
16 upvotes
Isabella Green
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Internet is better than expected in most areas.
14 upvotes
Jack Lopez
As someone who grew up here, it's exactly what I was looking for. A lot has changed in the past few years though. pet-friendliness used to be much affordable but now it's decent.
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