Hey folks, I'm a 48-year-old accountant and Median household income is $77,463, which feels about average for the area. You can expect to pay around $1,677 for rent here. It's a a small town city with about 16,419 people. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Worth the trade-offs? Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The city has invested a lot in new development. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The weather takes some getting used to. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
3 upvotes
15 Replies
Samuel Davis
+1
39 upvotes
urban_elijah93
underrated comment
36 upvotes
Melanie Rogers
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from New York about 9 years ago. The main reasons were work and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Good internet infrastructure
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are stable, gas is better than expected.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
31 upvotes
Silas
thanks for sharing
27 upvotes
Axel W.
We moved here with our family and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Schools in Pine Hills area are decent. Kids love it here.
27 upvotes
Luna Long
Weather-wise, the summers are decent and winters are affordable. You get used to it after the first year.
26 upvotes
Caleb Jackson
I've been living here for 14 years and I'd say I have mixed feelings honestly. The weather is tough compared to other places I've lived. Overall It's not for everyone but it works for us..
23 upvotes
Adam Rodriguez
As someone who grew up here, it's not perfect but it works for me. A lot has changed in the past few years though. food scene used to be much affordable but now it's excellent.
15 upvotes
Anna Ramirez
Came here for work and stayed because I genuinely enjoy living here. The cost of living is honestly tough and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
15 upvotes
Wyatt
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 8 years. Moved from Seattle for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2018 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. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is solid - we have hiking trails 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 improving. 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. Homeless population growing downtown. Bugs and humidity in summer. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 9/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
12 upvotes
Evelyn Cooper
not my experience at all
11 upvotes
Landon Smith
This.
9 upvotes
Owen K.
same here
8 upvotes
Aubrey Rogers
Used to live on the The Heights side, now on the Highland side. Completely different vibe. I genuinely enjoy living here.
4 upvotes
Gabriella Myers
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are surprisingly good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
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