Hi all, I grew up here but left for a while. Median household income is $107,165, which feels pretty solid for the area. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Should I be concerned? People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
9 upvotes
7 Replies
Kai S.
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 LA for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is tough - we have biking trails 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 decent. 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. Chain restaurants dominate. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
39 upvotes
Grace C.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value school system, you'll love it. The outdoor recreation is genuinely decent and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (Meadowbrook) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Chicago, be prepared for the culture shock. cultural scene 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.
33 upvotes
Colton Jones
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Raleigh about 15 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Nice parks and green spaces
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are wild, gas is excellent.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Happy to answer more specific questions..
27 upvotes
Mateo Adams
The food scene here is better than expected. Tons of great Vietnamese places. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
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