Hi all, I'm a college student here and Homes are going for about $84,200 on average. Average temperature is around 62--F, so the weather is moderate. The unemployment rate is 5.3%, which is about average. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The suburbs are where most families end up. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
3 upvotes
7 Replies
Thomas M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 45, moved here 15 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in South and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The dating scene situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for young professionals. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 Salt Lake City, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $80K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
31 upvotes
Theodore Ramirez
I've lived in Riverside for about 8 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 Charlotte, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Active local events and festivals
- The safety scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Dating scene is rough
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for remote workers. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
23 upvotes
Lydia P.
hmm interesting perspective
23 upvotes
Addison Jimenez
My experience has been mostly positive. it's been a really good experience overall. The only thing I'd watch out for is walkability. Other than that, Definitely worth checking out..
20 upvotes
Caroline Young
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from San Diego about 7 years ago. The main reasons were work and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good internet infrastructure
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are manageable, gas is solid.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Feel free to reach out with questions..
10 upvotes
Josiah Stewart
I've been living here for 6 years and I'd say I'm still on the fence after all this time. The nightlife is surprisingly good compared to other places I've lived. Overall Happy to answer more specific questions..
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