Been meaning to ask this. I'm a nurse at the local hospital and It's a a smaller city city with about 70,368 people. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Has anyone dealt with this?
10 upvotes
23 Replies
Mia W.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value public transit, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely average and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (East) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Charlotte, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
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.
40 upvotes
Santiago
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from New York about 6 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good schools in most areas
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are wild, gas is improving.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
39 upvotes
Colton Ward
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's not perfect but it works for me. No regrets on my end..
37 upvotes
Savannah Johnson
My experience has been mostly positive. the quality of life is solid. The only thing I'd watch out for is community vibe. Other than that, Feel free to reach out with questions..
37 upvotes
Carter Bailey
Came here for a fresh start and stayed because it's been a really good experience overall. The weather is honestly improving and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
30 upvotes
Eleanor R.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's been a really good experience overall. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
28 upvotes
Stella R.
hmm interesting perspective
20 upvotes
Elizabeth R.
not my experience at all
20 upvotes
Adeline
couldn't agree more
19 upvotes
Wesley Allen
good to know, thanks
17 upvotes
Arianna
nah I disagree
17 upvotes
Julia Hernandez
this is the way
16 upvotes
Greyson Reed
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 10 years. Moved from Seattle for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. 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 1-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. finance 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 wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is solid - 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. 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. Road conditions need improvement. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 9/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
13 upvotes
Albert J.
same here
12 upvotes
David Wilson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 4 years. Moved from Phoenix for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. consulting 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:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is average - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Lakewood 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. Urban sprawl is real. Far from beaches/mountains. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 6/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
11 upvotes
Wyatt Foster
yep
10 upvotes
Eleanor R.
We moved here with our family and I love the pace of life here. Schools in Old Town area are challenging. Kids love it here.
8 upvotes
Jonathan Miller
it depends on the neighborhood
7 upvotes
James B.
My experience has been mostly positive. I love the pace of life here. The only thing I'd watch out for is cultural scene. Other than that, Would recommend to anyone considering it..
6 upvotes
Benjamin
couldn't agree more
5 upvotes
Cooper Robinson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Eastside for 8 years. Moved from Baltimore for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. 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:**
engineering is strong here. construction 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:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is tough - we have lakes 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 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. Limited public transit options. Can feel isolated. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
2 upvotes
Theodore L.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want safety, then yeah this place is great. But if safety matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
1 upvotes
Evan Peterson
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 13 years ago from Pittsburgh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in East. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in manufacturing. If you're in education you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 12 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like Indian.
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