Random thought, You can expect to pay around $3,003 for rent here. With a population of 26,245, Hercules is a smaller city. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Should I be concerned?
20 upvotes
17 Replies
Isabella S.
Totally agree!
40 upvotes
Eli
nah I disagree
37 upvotes
Austin Ross
As someone who grew up here, it's improved dramatically in recent years. A lot has changed in the past few years though. housing market used to be much manageable but now it's hit or miss.
35 upvotes
Matthew Gray
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 14 years. Moved from San Diego for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. education 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 lakes 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. Limited public transit options. Limited entertainment options. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 5/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
33 upvotes
Shirley W.
I've lived in Old Town 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 Chicago, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good healthcare facilities
- The food scene scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for families. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
28 upvotes
Maya Ortiz
thanks for sharing
27 upvotes
Kennedy B.
underrated comment
27 upvotes
Xavier M.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 12 years ago from Salt Lake City and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Highland. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 10 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like Southern.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
23 upvotes
Austin Patel
couldn't agree more
22 upvotes
Alexa Long
Weather-wise, the summers are pretty good and winters are affordable. You get used to it after the first year.
22 upvotes
Clara L.
As someone who grew up here, it's been a really good experience overall. A lot has changed in the past few years though. community vibe used to be much stable but now it's hit or miss.
17 upvotes
Delilah Walker
Can confirm, been here 6 years.
12 upvotes
Wesley Cook
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a teacher who relocated here from Denver about 13 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are wild, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
10 upvotes
Colton R.
This.
10 upvotes
Owen Jackson
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. it's been a really good experience overall. Compared to San Diego it's decent.
7 upvotes
Nora Adams
Hot take but it's improved dramatically in recent years. I know a lot of people disagree but after 3 years here, that's my honest assessment.
7 upvotes
Colton Wood
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want pet-friendliness, then yeah this place is great. But if cultural scene matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
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