Alright, The unemployment rate is 2.8%, which is pretty low. Median household income is $176,943, which feels pretty solid for the area. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. What are your go-to spots?
22 upvotes
11 Replies
urban_samuel76
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 34, moved here 10 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Eastside and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Decent public transit for the size
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The healthcare situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for couples. tough vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $40K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
40 upvotes
Joseph Howard
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want school system, then yeah this place is great. But if cost of living matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
37 upvotes
Adrian
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 10 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is food scene. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Cedar Grove side vs the Westside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
37 upvotes
Amelia W.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 3 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is community vibe. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Meadowbrook side vs the Fairview side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
34 upvotes
Mateo Diaz
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 Miami for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2019 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. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have mountains 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 excellent. 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. Road conditions need improvement. Bugs and humidity in summer. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 6/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
33 upvotes
Thomas Green
I work in retail here and it was the best decision I ever made. The job market for my field is underrated. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
30 upvotes
Ann W.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 1 years ago from Phoenix and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in North. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in engineering. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 15 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like Asian.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
29 upvotes
Nolan Long
Came here for retirement and stayed because there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The food scene is honestly better than expected and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
26 upvotes
Bella Ward
Totally agree!
24 upvotes
Mason T.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. the quality of life is solid. Internet is pretty good in most areas.
All Countries
