Curious what people think. Poverty rate is 15.7%, which is higher than I expected. Household incomes average around $58,734 in El Paso. Median household income is $58,734, which feels about average for the area. The suburbs are where most families end up. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Should I be concerned? There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The suburbs are where most families end up. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
86 upvotes
4 Replies
Olivia Perez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 11 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Maple Ridge side vs the Greenfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
39 upvotes
Sarah G.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 7 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is nightlife. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The The Heights side vs the Springfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
33 upvotes
Emilia E.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 33, moved here 7 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in Old Town and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Summers can be brutally hot
3. The school system situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for remote workers. hit or miss 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 Nashville, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $70K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
5 upvotes
Carol P.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 9 years. Moved from Charlotte for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2019 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. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. manufacturing 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:**
it's been a really good experience overall. 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 average. 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. Limited entertainment options. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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