I work in healthcare and With a population of 8,566, Hollymead is a small town. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Am I overthinking this? Night life is decent if you know the right spots. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
10 upvotes
8 Replies
Sarah Hughes
Bought a house here in 2020 and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Property values have gone about the same since then.
32 upvotes
Nicholas Garcia
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 15 years. Moved from Charlotte for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. finance 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 not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is average - 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 tough. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Road conditions need improvement. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 6/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
29 upvotes
Wesley Hall
big facts right here
24 upvotes
Matthew Mendoza
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Cedar Grove for 15 years. Moved from Nashville for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. 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. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is decent - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Cedar Grove 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. Limited entertainment options. Bugs and humidity in summer. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 6/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
18 upvotes
Wyatt S.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value school system, you'll love it. The public transit is genuinely decent and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Cedar Grove) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Diego, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Dating scene is rough.
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.
15 upvotes
Scarlett Phillips
haha yep pretty much
14 upvotes
Randy P.
I work in finance here and it's been a really good experience overall. The job market for my field is tough. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
4 upvotes
Ezekiel T.
Public transit is excellent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I genuinely enjoy living here.