We have two kids and The median home value here is around $738,800, which is pretty steep. Household incomes average around $89,568 in Boyes Hot Springs. The unemployment rate is 2.2%, which is pretty low. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Should I be concerned? The food scene here is surprisingly good. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The suburbs are where most families end up. The suburbs are where most families end up. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The city has invested a lot in new development. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The city has invested a lot in new development. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The weather takes some getting used to. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. 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. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
10 upvotes
11 Replies
Adeline Cruz
Saving this thread
40 upvotes
Everett Taylor
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 39, moved here 9 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The food scene situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for families. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 Raleigh, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
38 upvotes
Ruby Jackson
My experience has been mostly positive. it was the best decision I ever made. The only thing I'd watch out for is walkability. Other than that, Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
37 upvotes
Carson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 8 years. Moved from Charlotte for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is average - we have beaches 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 hit or miss. 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Limited shopping options. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 6/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
21 upvotes
Kinsley Allen
This.
20 upvotes
Declan Foster
Bought a house here in 2016 and it's been a really good experience overall. Property values have gone about the same since then.
18 upvotes
Genesis
I've lived in Old Town for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Denver, I was surprised by food scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Lots of new development happening
- The food scene scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for couples. Happy to answer more specific questions..
16 upvotes
Noah Stewart
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are solid, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
16 upvotes
Matthew R.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 5 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the nightlife is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The East side vs the South side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
9 upvotes
portlandliving2021
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from Boston about 9 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good healthcare facilities
Cons that are real:
- Can feel isolated
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are growing, gas is average.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
9 upvotes
Alexa G.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 14 years ago from Houston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Springfield. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in consulting. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 18 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like Southern.
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