Anyone else feel this way? We're a young couple and Poverty rate is 4.2%, which is pretty low. You can expect to pay around $1,760 for rent here. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Anyone in a similar situation?
6 upvotes
9 Replies
Miles Green
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 job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have ski resorts 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 better than expected. 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. Urban sprawl is real. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
35 upvotes
Emmett Flores
it depends on the neighborhood
27 upvotes
Lillian
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want public transit, then yeah this place is great. But if safety matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
24 upvotes
Melanie Reed
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Tampa about 15 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are competitive, gas is pretty good.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Good luck with whatever you decide..
21 upvotes
Brooklyn B.
I've lived in Riverside for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Chicago, I was surprised by weather. 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 job market scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Property taxes are high
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for retirees. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
20 upvotes
Amelia Reed
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 7 years ago from Miami and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Eastside. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in real estate. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 17 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like Vietnamese.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
19 upvotes
Ryan Davis
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 35, moved here 2 years ago from New York. I've lived in Uptown and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Limited shopping options
3. The outdoor recreation situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for remote workers. average 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 New York, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
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