Hey folks, I'm single, late 50s, and Rent is about $1,526/month for a decent place. The unemployment rate is 3.1%, which is pretty low. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The city has invested a lot in new development. Thanks in advance! People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The suburbs are where most families end up. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The suburbs are where most families end up.
9 upvotes
7 Replies
Natalie Jimenez
100%
32 upvotes
Mateo
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 35, moved here 7 years ago from LA. I've lived in Pine Hills and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Close to major attractions
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited shopping options
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The job market situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for families. solid vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 LA, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
24 upvotes
Dominic
I've lived in Riverside for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's not perfect but it works for me. When I first moved here from Baltimore, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good schools in most areas
- The school system scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for singles. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
18 upvotes
Allison Lee
seconding this
17 upvotes
Jacob Hill
As someone who grew up here, I genuinely enjoy living here. A lot has changed in the past few years though. nightlife used to be much developing but now it's challenging.
15 upvotes
Evelyn Lewis
it depends on the neighborhood
5 upvotes
Alexis R.
The food scene here is underrated. Tons of great Thai places. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
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