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Anna Bailey
housing
Cost of living reality check -Golden Valley
Hey, The weather takes some getting used to. There's a real sense of community in certain n
2 upvotes
12 Replies
Jameson Rivera
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 6 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into running, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Cedar Grove side vs the Riverside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
I've been here 6 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into running, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Cedar Grove side vs the Riverside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
40 upvotes
philly_brooks
I've lived in Cedar Grove for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. 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:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Diverse dining options
- The safety scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for retirees. Good luck with whatever you decide..
it exceeded my expectations. 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:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Diverse dining options
- The safety scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for retirees. Good luck with whatever you decide..
26 upvotes
Hudson P.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 3 years. Moved from San Francisco for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2020 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. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. manufacturing 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:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is tough - we have mountains 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. Limited public transit options. Road conditions need improvement. And job market 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.
I've been in Riverside for 3 years. Moved from San Francisco for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2020 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. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. manufacturing 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:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is tough - we have mountains 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. Limited public transit options. Road conditions need improvement. And job market 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.
25 upvotes
Sarah Ruiz
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 15 years ago from Baltimore and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Lakewood. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in finance. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like Mexican.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Lakewood. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in finance. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like Mexican.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
24 upvotes
Jeremiah Mitchell
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 54, moved here 12 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Highland and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The public transit situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for couples. solid 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 Phoenix, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $60K-$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.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 54, moved here 12 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Highland and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The public transit situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for couples. solid 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 Phoenix, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $60K-$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.
21 upvotes
Ruby Hall
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Pine Hills for 10 years. Moved from Raleigh for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**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:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is excellent - 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. Pine Hills 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. Winters are long and cold. Not very walkable outside downtown. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Pine Hills for 10 years. Moved from Raleigh for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**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:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is excellent - 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. Pine Hills 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. Winters are long and cold. Not very walkable outside downtown. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
20 upvotes
Jose
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 3 years ago from LA and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Riverside. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in consulting. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 8 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like Thai.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Riverside. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in consulting. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 8 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like Thai.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
19 upvotes
Leonardo Anderson
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 5 years ago from Pittsburgh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Springfield. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in government. If you're in engineering you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 5 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like farm-to-table.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Springfield. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in government. If you're in engineering you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 5 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like farm-to-table.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
13 upvotes
Luke
100%
12 upvotes
Gabriella Martinez
yep
9 upvotes
Bennett Bailey
Can confirm, been here 8 years.
5 upvotes
Josiah Brooks
yep
3 upvotes