Been meaning to ask this. I'm a 39-year-old data analyst and Rent is about $1,067/month for a decent place. It's a a smaller city city with about 27,058 people. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
18 upvotes
8 Replies
Xavier Taylor
I've lived in Riverside for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from San Diego, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Close to major attractions
- The outdoor recreation scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for couples. Feel free to reach out with questions..
34 upvotes
Alexander Jackson
My experience has been mostly positive. it's improved dramatically in recent years. The only thing I'd watch out for is outdoor recreation. Other than that, Good luck with whatever you decide..
30 upvotes
Jose Ward
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. I have mixed feelings honestly. Compared to Salt Lake City it's solid.
29 upvotes
nycdude2021
nah I disagree
29 upvotes
Jeremiah G.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 3 years. Moved from San Francisco for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. South schools are solid. 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. Limited entertainment options. Bugs and humidity in summer. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
22 upvotes
Ezekiel Chavez
Used to live on the Highland side, now on the Downtown side. Completely different vibe. it exceeded my expectations.
16 upvotes
Jaxon Flores
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value school system, you'll love it. The nightlife is genuinely decent and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Old Town) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Austin, be prepared for the culture shock. dating scene is completely different here. And Not a lot of cultural diversity.
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
Zoey
I'm a chef and I've found I love the pace of life here. The community is underrated and there's always something going on.
All Countries
