Longtime lurker here, It's a a small town city with about 13,069 people. Average temperature is around 65--F, so the weather is moderate. Median household income is $83,668, which feels pretty solid for the area. The suburbs are where most families end up. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Would love some local perspective. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
1 upvotes
13 Replies
charlotte_bennett
been saying this for years
40 upvotes
Theodore
Came here for a fresh start and stayed because I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor recreation is honestly surprisingly good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
40 upvotes
Julia B.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value nightlife, you'll love it. The weather is genuinely improving and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (Pine Hills) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Portland, be prepared for the culture shock. housing market is completely different here. And Limited public transit 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.
40 upvotes
Dominic P.
I've lived in East for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Nashville, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Active local events and festivals
- Four distinct seasons
- The food scene scene is tough
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for families. Happy to answer more specific questions..
38 upvotes
Nevaeh R.
not my experience at all
37 upvotes
Luna R.
Bought a house here in 2020 and I have mixed feelings honestly. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
34 upvotes
Mason Mendoza
interesting, hadn't considered that
32 upvotes
fresno_adam
I've lived in Springfield for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Miami, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Lots of new development happening
- Affordable housing options
- The weather scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for remote workers. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
32 upvotes
Roman Jones
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 New York for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is underrated - 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 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Can feel isolated. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
25 upvotes
Thomas Garcia
been saying this for years
21 upvotes
Logan B.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 1 years ago from Chicago and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Uptown. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 15 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like Korean.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
20 upvotes
Brooklyn
As someone who grew up here, I love the pace of life here. A lot has changed in the past few years though. community vibe used to be much wild but now it's solid.
10 upvotes
desert_weston65
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value safety, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely average and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (Sunset) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Pittsburgh, be prepared for the culture shock. pet-friendliness is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
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.
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