Not sure if this has been asked before, but Born and raised here. You can expect to pay around $735 for rent here. The weather takes some getting used to. Any help is appreciated. The city has invested a lot in new development. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
3 upvotes
6 Replies
Connor Thomas
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 4 years. Moved from Austin for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have rivers 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 surprisingly good. 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. Property taxes are high. Can feel isolated. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 7/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
30 upvotes
Savannah Mendoza
I've lived in Oak Park for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Dallas, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Decent public transit for the size
- The food scene scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for young professionals. Happy to answer more specific questions..
28 upvotes
Austin B.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 3 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Greenfield side vs the Old Town side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
15 upvotes
Stella Howard
Used to live on the Oak Park side, now on the Sunset side. Completely different vibe. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
12 upvotes
Emma Reed
spot on
11 upvotes
Cooper
Came here for quality of life and stayed because it was the best decision I ever made. The cost of living is honestly improving and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
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