Anyone else feel this way? I'm a college student here and Homes are going for about $778,600 on average. Poverty rate is 6.2%, which is pretty low. The median home value here is around $778,600, which is pretty steep. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The suburbs are where most families end up. The food scene here is surprisingly good. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The weather takes some getting used to. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
2 upvotes
8 Replies
Maverick Kim
lol so true
37 upvotes
Dennis A.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. it's exactly what I was looking for. Compared to New York it's hit or miss.
31 upvotes
Logan Nguyen
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 8 years ago from New York and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Eastside. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in government. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: better than expected. Tons of options if you like Korean.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
30 upvotes
Zachary S.
yep
18 upvotes
tampa_ryan
Moved here from Boston about 11 years ago. it's exactly what I was looking for. Still getting used to job market but Definitely worth checking out..
18 upvotes
Leo J.
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 San Diego for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is tough - we have state parks 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. Winters are long and cold. Limited entertainment options. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
15 upvotes
grace_living
hard disagree but ok
6 upvotes
Nora Ross
I've been living here for 2 years and I'd say it's not perfect but it works for me. The food scene is solid compared to other places I've lived. Overall Would recommend to anyone considering it..