I'm a teacher here and Homes are going for about $271,500 on average. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The weather takes some getting used to. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
5 upvotes
11 Replies
Kai Clark
hard disagree but ok
39 upvotes
Sophia M.
Saving this thread
35 upvotes
Miles Clark
honestly same experience here
27 upvotes
Thomas Wright
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 34, moved here 11 years ago from New York. I've lived in Fairview and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Rising rent and home prices
3. The pet-friendliness situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for singles. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 New York, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
21 upvotes
Danielle H.
Moved here from Phoenix about 12 years ago. it exceeded my expectations. Still getting used to outdoor recreation but Feel free to reach out with questions..
17 upvotes
Mason Garcia
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 14 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is community vibe. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the nightlife is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Springfield side vs the Old Town side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
16 upvotes
Kinsley R.
couldn't agree more
7 upvotes
John Garcia
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 3 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The East side vs the Greenfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
6 upvotes
Cameron Chavez
couldn't agree more
2 upvotes
Harper F.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 14 years. Moved from Baltimore for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. hospitality 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 genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is improving - 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. Riverside 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. Nightlife is limited. Property taxes are high. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
2 upvotes
Elizabeth
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 55, moved here 12 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Maple Ridge and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Decent public transit for the size
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Can feel isolated
2. Limited shopping options
3. The job market situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for young professionals. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- North: 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 Portland, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$110K 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.
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