Poverty rate is 8.9%, which is pretty low. Crime rate is something to consider -Elgin sits at 198.9 per 100K. Rent is about $1,260/month for a decent place. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. What neighborhoods would you suggest? The suburbs are where most families end up. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
36 upvotes
3 Replies
Waylon Torres
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want cultural scene, then yeah this place is great. But if pet-friendliness matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
30 upvotes
Jace Hall
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 12 years. Moved from San Diego for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. 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 4-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
legal 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:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is pretty 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 hit or miss. 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. Road conditions need improvement. Homeless population growing downtown. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, 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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