Hi all, Been living here since 2013. Poverty rate is 3.3%, which is pretty low. The unemployment rate is 2.6%, which is pretty low. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Worth the trade-offs? The suburbs are where most families end up. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
18 upvotes
16 Replies
Angel Lopez
hmm interesting perspective
40 upvotes
Kayden
As someone who grew up here, it's improved dramatically in recent years. A lot has changed in the past few years though. weather used to be much established but now it's pretty good.
40 upvotes
Cora Hernandez
Public transit is decent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's not perfect but it works for me.
37 upvotes
Brooklyn S.
My experience has been mostly positive. it's improved dramatically in recent years. The only thing I'd watch out for is pet-friendliness. Other than that, Definitely worth checking out..
37 upvotes
Emily Martinez
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are better than expected, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
36 upvotes
Olivia Williams
Can confirm, been here 7 years.
35 upvotes
Santiago Mitchell
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. it exceeded my expectations. Compared to Chicago it's average.
35 upvotes
Jaxon P.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The weather is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (West) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Francisco, be prepared for the culture shock. cost of living is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
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.
29 upvotes
Sadie Evans
not my experience at all
21 upvotes
Theodore Phillips
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 13 years ago from Chicago and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Westside. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in manufacturing. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 3 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like farm-to-table.
Hope this helps!.
21 upvotes
Jack Foster
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 Portland for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth about the same 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:**
education is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - 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. Riverside 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. Can feel isolated. Dating scene is rough. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 8/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
19 upvotes
Wesley S.
I'm a real estate agent and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The community is hit or miss and there's always something going on.
17 upvotes
Jeremiah Walker
facts
9 upvotes
Nevaeh Jackson
Public transit is better than expected here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it exceeded my expectations.
8 upvotes
Aiden W.
Bought a house here in 2023 and I genuinely enjoy living here. Property values have gone about the same since then.
8 upvotes
Evelyn Ramirez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 24, moved here 10 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Greenfield and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Close to major attractions
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The housing market situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for couples. improving vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: 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 Houston, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific 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.
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