Just moved here 1 months ago and Median household income is $98,187, which feels pretty solid for the area. Crime rate is something to consider — Fontana sits at 342.3 per 100K. Homes are going for about $558,500 on average. The median home value here is around $558,500, which is pretty steep. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
Pros:
- Great weather
- Good schools
- Good healthcare facilities
Cons:
- Limited public transit
- Not very walkable
- High property taxes
- Far from major airports
- Not enough green space
Any advice would be great. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
44 upvotes
14 Replies
Lillian Wright
I've been living here for 9 years and I'd say I love the pace of life here. The cost of living is excellent compared to other places I've lived. Overall Definitely worth checking out..
28 upvotes
Madelyn Smith
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 10 years. Moved from Tampa for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth down slightly 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:**
consulting is strong here. education 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:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have biking trails 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 pretty good. 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. Road conditions need improvement. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
26 upvotes
Zoey Sanders
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 5 years ago from Phoenix and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Fairview. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in construction. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like Thai.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
26 upvotes
Ryan Edwards
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 8 years ago from Baltimore and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in West. It's decent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in engineering. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 10 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like Southern.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
21 upvotes
Eugene E.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 55, moved here 8 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in Greenfield and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Winters are long and cold
3. The walkability situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for young professionals. improving vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with 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.
19 upvotes
Noah Martinez
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Internet is challenging in most areas.
15 upvotes
Luna Myers
Bought a house here in 2017 and it's been a really good experience overall. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
15 upvotes
John Mendoza
Weather-wise, the summers are average and winters are pricey. You get used to it after the first year.
14 upvotes
Hunter C.
wish I knew this sooner
13 upvotes
nyc_brooklyn
big facts right here
12 upvotes
Jaxon Long
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I love the pace of life here. Happy to answer more specific questions..
3 upvotes
Genesis Martinez
glad someone said it
1 upvotes
Grayson
My experience has been mostly positive. I have mixed feelings honestly. The only thing I'd watch out for is housing market. Other than that, Happy to answer more specific questions..
1 upvotes
Roman Jones
Weather-wise, the summers are hit or miss and winters are growing. You get used to it after the first year.
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