Hey, I grew up here but left for a while. Homes are going for about $289,200 on average. The unemployment rate is 2.3%, which is pretty low. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Would love some local perspective. The suburbs are where most families end up. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
7 upvotes
13 Replies
Zoey Jackson
been saying this for years
39 upvotes
Ellie O.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 15 years ago from Salt Lake City and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Cedar Grove. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in education. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 13 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like Italian.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
29 upvotes
Gianna Wright
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, the quality of life is solid. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
29 upvotes
Arianna Richardson
My experience has been mostly positive. it's been a really good experience overall. The only thing I'd watch out for is cultural scene. Other than that, It's not for everyone but it works for us..
26 upvotes
Scott J.
We moved here with our family and the quality of life is solid. Schools in Fairview area are challenging. Kids love it here.
25 upvotes
Noah T.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's been a really good experience overall. Internet is pretty good in most areas.
20 upvotes
Nicholas Martin
this is the way
17 upvotes
Roman L.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want traffic, then yeah this place is great. But if school system matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
16 upvotes
Eleanor Green
Saving this thread
12 upvotes
John T.
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 Tampa for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is solid - we have desert landscapes 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Homeless population growing downtown. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 5/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
11 upvotes
Levi B.
noted, appreciate it
9 upvotes
Luca Watson
as a local I can confirm
2 upvotes
Roman
We moved here with our family and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Schools in Maple Ridge area are tough. Kids love it here.
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