OK so Poverty rate is 4.5%, which is pretty low. The median home value here is around $451,600, which is pretty steep. Homes are going for about $451,600 on average. Median household income is $70,845, which feels about average for the area. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Any advice would be great. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
3 upvotes
6 Replies
Bella Alvarez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 2 years. Moved from New York for a fresh start. 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 significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. tech 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:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have desert landscapes 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 hit or miss. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Dating scene is rough. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 5/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
21 upvotes
Ariana Edwards
it depends on the neighborhood
19 upvotes
Valentina
As someone who grew up here, it's improved dramatically in recent years. A lot has changed in the past few years though. public transit used to be much wild but now it's hit or miss.
19 upvotes
fresnonative2025
I've lived in Westside for about 14 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 Phoenix, I was surprised by safety. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Lots of new development happening
- The public transit scene is tough
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for families. Feel free to reach out with questions..
18 upvotes
Allison G.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 7 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The The Heights side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
12 upvotes
proud_jaxon98
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Greenfield for 15 years. Moved from Raleigh for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2017 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. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. hospitality 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 exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Greenfield schools are excellent. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Can feel isolated. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 8/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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