Hey everyone, We have two kids and Poverty rate is 7.5%, which is pretty low. The unemployment rate is 2.0%, which is pretty low. The suburbs are where most families end up. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. What do you all think? Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The city has invested a lot in new development. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The city has invested a lot in new development. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
5 upvotes
20 Replies
Greyson Martin
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's not perfect but it works for me. Internet is tough in most areas.
38 upvotes
Michael Sanders
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 3 years ago from Baltimore and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Highland. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in real estate. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 13 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like Thai.
No regrets on my end..
36 upvotes
local_emma41
been saying this for years
33 upvotes
Emma Murphy
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are better than expected, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
32 upvotes
portland_cooper
couldn't agree more
29 upvotes
Alexander Lee
noted, appreciate it
25 upvotes
Aiden Long
hmm interesting perspective
25 upvotes
Abigail R.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are excellent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
23 upvotes
Dylan Thomas
yep
23 upvotes
Isla J.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are solid, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
15 upvotes
Oliver Rogers
I've lived in The Heights for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Charlotte, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- The nightlife scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for couples. Happy to answer more specific questions..
14 upvotes
Austin H.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 1 years. Moved from Miami for weather. 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 2-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have state parks 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. Limited public transit options. Urban sprawl is real. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
13 upvotes
olivia_papa
100%
11 upvotes
Hazel Gonzalez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 9 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The West side vs the North side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
7 upvotes
Harper Hernandez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 39, moved here 11 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Oak Park and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Affordable housing options
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Can feel isolated
3. The walkability situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for couples. decent 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $90K-$80K 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.
7 upvotes
Adam B.
been saying this for years
6 upvotes
Emmett Mitchell
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Feel free to reach out with questions..
6 upvotes
Nora Reed
The food scene here is excellent. Tons of great Thai places. the quality of life is solid.
2 upvotes
Weston Ramirez
this is the way
2 upvotes
Isaiah Mitchell
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The traffic is genuinely average and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (West) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Denver, be prepared for the culture shock. traffic 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.
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