I'm originally from Albuquerque and It's a a small town city with about 16,483 people. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Any advice would be great. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The weather takes some getting used to. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
11 upvotes
14 Replies
Noah C.
I'm a contractor and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The community is surprisingly good and there's always something going on.
36 upvotes
Samuel R.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely underrated and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Uptown) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Boston, 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.
34 upvotes
Aiden L.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Denver about 2 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Close to major attractions
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are stable, gas is improving.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
34 upvotes
Beverly J.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 15 years ago from Salt Lake City and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Fairview. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in finance. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 18 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like Thai.
Definitely worth checking out..
31 upvotes
Rachel L.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Internet is hit or miss in most areas.
28 upvotes
Parker Young
hmm interesting perspective
25 upvotes
Elijah Mitchell
I've lived in Riverside for about 15 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 Portland, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Strong job market in several industries
- The job market scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Limited entertainment options
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for retirees. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
24 upvotes
Jace Hernandez
yeah no that's not right
24 upvotes
Aria Gutierrez
Public transit is average here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
15 upvotes
Madelyn Walker
literally same
5 upvotes
Stella Ross
Bought a house here in 2023 and the quality of life is solid. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
2 upvotes
Jose Thomas
been saying this for years
1 upvotes
Adrian Rogers
Came here for a job opportunity and stayed because it was the best decision I ever made. The weather is honestly challenging and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
All Countries
