I'm a teacher here and Crime rate is something to consider -Fort Washington sits at 236.8 per 100K. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Thanks!
3 upvotes
10 Replies
Quinn Foster
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. Definitely worth checking out..
37 upvotes
Maria M.
as a local I can confirm
36 upvotes
Henry Myers
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. it exceeded my expectations. Compared to San Francisco it's underrated.
32 upvotes
Luna Clark
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 4 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Springfield side vs the Riverside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
28 upvotes
Amber R.
hmm interesting perspective
28 upvotes
Easton Reyes
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 47, moved here 14 years ago from Denver. I've lived in Lakewood and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Close to major attractions
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited entertainment options
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The community vibe situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for remote workers. underrated 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 Denver, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $70K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific 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.
26 upvotes
Cooper Hill
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 2 years. Moved from Boston for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2019 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. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have national forests 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. Limited public transit options. Bugs and humidity in summer. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
24 upvotes
Gabriel Rogers
The food scene here is excellent. Tons of great craft beer places. it's not perfect but it works for me.
7 upvotes
William M.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 4 years ago from Houston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in The Heights. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in retail. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 5 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like Italian.
Hope this helps!.
6 upvotes
native_evan65
Came here for school and stayed because it exceeded my expectations. The nightlife is honestly solid and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
All Countries
