Curious what people think. Median household income is $64,497, which feels about average for the area. The unemployment rate is 3.1%, which is pretty low. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
48 upvotes
17 Replies
Jackson Reyes
Weather-wise, the summers are average and winters are pricey. You get used to it after the first year.
39 upvotes
Colton Foster
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Eastside for 2 years. Moved from LA for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. 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:**
healthcare is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Eastside 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. Winters are long and cold. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
39 upvotes
Luke Jackson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from Charlotte about 10 years ago. The main reasons were weather and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Lots of new development happening
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are affordable, gas is improving.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Definitely worth checking out..
37 upvotes
peyton_mind
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Compared to Atlanta it's tough.
36 upvotes
larider2021
We moved here with our family and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Schools in Downtown area are tough. Kids love it here.
35 upvotes
Jaxon Flores
Public transit is excellent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I genuinely enjoy living here.
31 upvotes
Landon Gray
Totally agree!
30 upvotes
Ella Castillo
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from Phoenix about 9 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Lots of new development happening
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Limited shopping options
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are developing, gas is solid.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Definitely worth checking out..
28 upvotes
Gabriella
exactly what I was thinking
26 upvotes
Autumn Howard
Hot take but the quality of life is solid. I know a lot of people disagree but after 4 years here, that's my honest assessment.
23 upvotes
Sebastian Reed
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 44, moved here 7 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in West and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Can feel isolated
3. The public transit situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for young professionals. solid vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 Tampa, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
22 upvotes
Peyton Roberts
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value weather, you'll love it. The pet-friendliness is genuinely challenging and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (Old Town) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Portland, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare 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.
20 upvotes
Evelyn Cox
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 9 years. Moved from Seattle for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - 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 pretty good. 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 dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 5/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
14 upvotes
Cooper Foster
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it exceeded my expectations. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
11 upvotes
Ruby Foster
Moved here from Chicago about 3 years ago. it's been a really good experience overall. Still getting used to healthcare but Good luck with whatever you decide..
10 upvotes
Madelyn Smith
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from Boston about 3 years ago. The main reasons were work and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good internet infrastructure
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are reasonable, gas is tough.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Feel free to reach out with questions..
4 upvotes
Aaliyah A.
Hot take but I'm still on the fence after all this time. I know a lot of people disagree but after 8 years here, that's my honest assessment.
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