OK so I've been here for 9 years and Homes are going for about $217,900 on average. The suburbs are where most families end up. The food scene here is surprisingly good. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
0 upvotes
6 Replies
Sarah R.
Bought a house here in 2019 and it exceeded my expectations. Property values have gone about the same since then.
31 upvotes
Brielle
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a teacher who relocated here from Seattle about 9 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Affordable housing options
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Nightlife is limited
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are stable, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. No regrets on my end..
17 upvotes
Brooklyn
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 3 years. Moved from Raleigh for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. 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 3-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. consulting 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:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is tough - 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 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. Urban sprawl is real. Far from beaches/mountains. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 8/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
12 upvotes
Zoe R.
100%
3 upvotes
Bryan L.
I'm a software engineer and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. The community is surprisingly good and there's always something going on.
3 upvotes
Brielle Ruiz
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from New York about 14 years ago. The main reasons were work and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good internet infrastructure
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are stable, gas is solid.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Feel free to reach out with questions..
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