Longtime lurker here, We're a young couple and You can expect to pay around $962 for rent here. The unemployment rate is 2.8%, which is pretty low. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Am I overthinking this? Thanks! The city has invested a lot in new development.
11 upvotes
9 Replies
Benjamin White
I work in marketing here and it was the best decision I ever made. The job market for my field is decent. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
39 upvotes
Angel Williams
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. I genuinely enjoy living here. Compared to Chicago it's average.
29 upvotes
Isaiah F.
Moved here from Raleigh about 9 years ago. it was the best decision I ever made. Still getting used to community vibe but Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
29 upvotes
Brielle Turner
Hot take but it's exactly what I was looking for. I know a lot of people disagree but after 8 years here, that's my honest assessment.
26 upvotes
Kayden R.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 1 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Greenfield side vs the Maple Ridge side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
22 upvotes
Sofia Edwards
Used to live on the Midtown side, now on the Uptown side. Completely different vibe. I genuinely enjoy living here.
20 upvotes
Clara R.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 3 years. Moved from LA for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. 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 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is average - 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. South schools are improving. 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. Bugs and humidity in summer. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 6/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
19 upvotes
julia_living
I've lived in Riverside for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Charlotte, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- The nightlife scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Property taxes are high
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for families. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
14 upvotes
Amelia
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it was the best decision I ever made. Feel free to reach out with questions..