Anyone else feel this way? I'm a remote worker and Poverty rate is 7.6%, which is pretty low. Property taxes are high but you get good services. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Am I overthinking this? The suburbs are where most families end up. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
14 upvotes
15 Replies
Nova
lol so true
38 upvotes
Jameson Wood
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 14 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Midtown side vs the Sunset side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
36 upvotes
Andrea R.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is healthcare. I love the pace of life here. Worth doing your research before committing.
32 upvotes
Grace Garcia
accurate
29 upvotes
Chloe
glad someone said it
25 upvotes
Jayden W.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 41, moved here 11 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Downtown and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The healthcare situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for couples. improving vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 Boston, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
24 upvotes
Emilia Hernandez
preach
23 upvotes
Alexa Taylor
The food scene here is solid. Tons of great BBQ places. it's not perfect but it works for me.
22 upvotes
Ezra
My experience has been mostly positive. it was the best decision I ever made. The only thing I'd watch out for is pet-friendliness. Other than that, It's not for everyone but it works for us..
20 upvotes
Lily Hill
as a local I can confirm
18 upvotes
Katherine Thomas
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 53, moved here 4 years ago from Denver. I've lived in Oak Park and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The nightlife situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for couples. excellent vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $100K-$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.
12 upvotes
Isaiah Walker
This.
10 upvotes
Isabelle James
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 13 years. Moved from Denver for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have rivers 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 average. 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. Can feel isolated. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
9 upvotes
Hailey A.
Moved here from Austin about 4 years ago. I genuinely enjoy living here. Still getting used to pet-friendliness but Would recommend to anyone considering it..
6 upvotes
Dominic Reed
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from Austin about 6 years ago. The main reasons were school and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Four distinct seasons
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are growing, gas is underrated.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Good luck with whatever you decide..
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