OK so I'm a teacher here and The unemployment rate is 3.7%, which is pretty low. It's a a smaller city city with about 29,279 people. You can expect to pay around $2,585 for rent here. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Worth the trade-offs? Thanks for reading. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The weather takes some getting used to. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
28 upvotes
7 Replies
Emma Morris
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 5 years. Moved from Dallas for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. 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 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. tech 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 hit or miss - 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 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Limited shopping options. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 6/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
40 upvotes
Ryan Castillo
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value dating scene, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely hit or miss and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Greenfield) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Raleigh, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability is completely different here. And Nightlife is limited.
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.
27 upvotes
Diana H.
this is the way
24 upvotes
Julia Hernandez
As someone who grew up here, I love the pace of life here. A lot has changed in the past few years though. nightlife used to be much growing but now it's hit or miss.
23 upvotes
Mateo Adams
Bought a house here in 2023 and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
14 upvotes
Lydia Bailey
I've lived in Oak Park for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Boston, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Close to major attractions
- Affordable housing options
- The housing market scene is decent
The downsides:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for retirees. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
3 upvotes
Jordan Johnson
Came here for my partner's job and stayed because there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The cost of living is honestly solid and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
All Countries
