I've been here for 10 years and Median household income is $43,454, which feels on the lower side for the area. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
24 upvotes
21 Replies
Oliver Bennett
I've been living here for 6 years and I'd say I love the pace of life here. The pet-friendliness is improving compared to other places I've lived. Overall Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
38 upvotes
Owen
Bought a house here in 2016 and it exceeded my expectations. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
38 upvotes
Bennett
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 9 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The West side vs the Meadowbrook side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
35 upvotes
Andrew Kelly
it depends on the neighborhood
34 upvotes
Bennett
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 8 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2016 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. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Downtown 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. Limited public transit options. Limited entertainment options. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 7/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
33 upvotes
Emma White
The food scene here is underrated. Tons of great Korean places. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
33 upvotes
Jaxon P.
great question, following
32 upvotes
Michael G.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 1 years. Moved from San Diego for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. construction 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 have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is excellent - 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. Riverside schools are surprisingly 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. Limited shopping options. Far from beaches/mountains. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
29 upvotes
Clara Evans
Bought a house here in 2015 and the quality of life is solid. Property values have gone about the same since then.
29 upvotes
Oliver C.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are pretty good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
28 upvotes
Eli Scott
yeah no that's not right
27 upvotes
Cooper Lewis
haha yep pretty much
27 upvotes
Miles Patel
this is the way
26 upvotes
Valentina Cooper
honestly same experience here
20 upvotes
Emily
Moved here from Tampa about 2 years ago. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Still getting used to nightlife but Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
13 upvotes
fresnolocal2020
This.
11 upvotes
Leah Foster
Weather-wise, the summers are improving and winters are manageable. You get used to it after the first year.
10 upvotes
Hailey Hill
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is school system. it's been a really good experience overall. Worth doing your research before committing.
9 upvotes
living_piper77
not my experience at all
8 upvotes
Marilyn H.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Meadowbrook for 8 years. Moved from LA for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up significantly 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:**
marketing is strong here. government 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'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is better than expected - 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. Meadowbrook 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. Nightlife is limited. Can feel isolated. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 8/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
5 upvotes
Gianna
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Nashville about 15 years ago. The main reasons were school and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Decent public transit for the size
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are competitive, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. It's not for everyone but it works for us..