Hello, We're a young couple and It's a a small town city with about 12,019 people.
13 upvotes
9 Replies
Sophia G.
honestly same experience here
36 upvotes
Zoe Cook
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value food scene, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely improving and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (Oak Park) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Austin, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit is completely different here. And Limited entertainment options.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
33 upvotes
Vivian M.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 6 years. Moved from Houston for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is decent - we have lakes 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 excellent. 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Dating scene is rough. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
31 upvotes
Sebastian Lee
interesting, hadn't considered that
25 upvotes
Mackenzie Perez
I've lived in Highland for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Atlanta, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Four distinct seasons
- The nightlife scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Limited high-paying job options
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for young professionals. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
21 upvotes
Peyton Young
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 1 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Uptown side vs the South side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
15 upvotes
Xavier Martinez
The food scene here is solid. Tons of great Indian places. it was the best decision I ever made.
10 upvotes
Serenity G.
+1
2 upvotes
Maya Ramirez
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want public transit, then yeah this place is great. But if cultural scene matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.