Born and raised here. Median household income is $79,903, which feels about average for the area. Poverty rate is 4.9%, which is pretty low. Average temperature is around 44--F, so bundle up in winter. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Am I wrong here? Property taxes are high but you get good services. The weather takes some getting used to. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The weather takes some getting used to. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
19 upvotes
7 Replies
Isaiah
Hot take but it was the best decision I ever made. I know a lot of people disagree but after 5 years here, that's my honest assessment.
40 upvotes
Grace A.
great question, following
39 upvotes
tulsawalker2025
I've lived in Riverside for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Minneapolis, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Decent public transit for the size
- The food scene scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Homeless population growing downtown
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for remote workers. Feel free to reach out with questions..
30 upvotes
Elena Garcia
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value public transit, you'll love it. The community vibe is genuinely hit or miss and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Westside) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Raleigh, be prepared for the culture shock. housing market is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
11 upvotes
Brooklyn Sanders
The food scene here is pretty good. Tons of great BBQ places. I love the pace of life here.
4 upvotes
Donald C.
Public transit is hit or miss here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's exactly what I was looking for.
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