Hi all, Military spouse here. Poverty rate is 6.5%, which is pretty low. Homes are going for about $464,000 on average. Average temperature is around 65--F, so the weather is moderate. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The weather takes some getting used to. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The city has invested a lot in new development. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The suburbs are where most families end up.
9 upvotes
19 Replies
Victoria Murphy
been saying this for years
37 upvotes
Allison Roberts
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are solid, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
36 upvotes
Eli Brooks
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 35, moved here 14 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Westside and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited shopping options
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The public transit situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for couples. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: 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 excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $100K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
34 upvotes
Grace Anderson
Used to live on the Highland side, now on the Greenfield side. Completely different vibe. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
31 upvotes
Nathan Rivera
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 8 years. Moved from Chicago for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Sunset 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. Rising rent and home prices. Limited entertainment options. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 9/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
28 upvotes
Sophia J.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. it's not perfect but it works for me. Compared to Houston it's hit or miss.
20 upvotes
Bella Foster
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Baltimore about 3 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are growing, gas is tough.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Hope this helps!.
20 upvotes
Jack Castillo
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 Austin for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - 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 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. Limited shopping options. Far from beaches/mountains. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
18 upvotes
Thomas Wilson
I work in consulting here and it exceeded my expectations. The job market for my field is pretty good. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
12 upvotes
true_elizabeth74
I've been living here for 14 years and I'd say it's been a really good experience overall. The healthcare is solid compared to other places I've lived. Overall Happy to answer more specific questions..
12 upvotes
Frank C.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Internet is challenging in most areas.
11 upvotes
Carol F.
100%
6 upvotes
Elijah Sanders
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 12 years. Moved from Phoenix for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. tech 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 pretty good - 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. South 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. Urban sprawl is real. Homeless population growing downtown. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
6 upvotes
Sophia K.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Internet is excellent in most areas.
4 upvotes
Audrey Bailey
thanks for sharing
3 upvotes
Eleanor Collins
Public transit is surprisingly good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's been a really good experience overall.
3 upvotes
Aria L.
I've been living here for 1 years and I'd say the quality of life is solid. The healthcare is underrated compared to other places I've lived. Overall It's not for everyone but it works for us..
2 upvotes
Scarlett Allen
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Good luck with whatever you decide..
1 upvotes
Naomi Lopez
Public transit is better than expected here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it exceeded my expectations.
All Countries
