First post here. I grew up here but left for a while. It's a a small town city with about 2,061 people. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Any help is appreciated.
3 upvotes
11 Replies
Parker Thompson
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value traffic, you'll love it. The job market is genuinely solid and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (Riverside) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Chicago, be prepared for the culture shock. housing market is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
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.
38 upvotes
Arianna Evans
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 7 years. Moved from San Diego for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have desert landscapes 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 tough. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Limited high-paying job options. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 6/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
29 upvotes
Willow Watson
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Happy to answer more specific questions..
28 upvotes
Aaron White
facts
19 upvotes
Emily Garcia
couldn't agree more
17 upvotes
Camila
I've been living here for 1 years and I'd say it's exactly what I was looking for. The nightlife is average compared to other places I've lived. Overall Definitely worth checking out..
17 upvotes
Cameron Bennett
Used to live on the Pine Hills side, now on the Old Town side. Completely different vibe. it's been a really good experience overall.
14 upvotes
Caleb
Bought a house here in 2017 and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
13 upvotes
Greyson
I've lived in Cedar Grove for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Nashville, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Affordable housing options
- The cost of living scene is solid
The downsides:
- Can feel isolated
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for couples. Definitely worth checking out..
9 upvotes
Jackson B.
I've lived in Westside for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Atlanta, I was surprised by community vibe. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- The healthcare scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Urban sprawl is real
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for remote workers. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
7 upvotes
Grayson
I've lived in Lakewood for about 7 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from Miami, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Strong job market in several industries
- The dating scene scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for remote workers. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
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