Been meaning to ask this. My family moved here when I was a kid. Rent is about $1,555/month for a decent place. The median home value here is around $374,200, which seems about average. You can expect to pay around $1,555 for rent here. The unemployment rate is 4.3%, which is about average. The weather takes some getting used to. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Would love some local perspective. Thanks in advance! There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
49 upvotes
4 Replies
Genesis R.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 1 years. Moved from Nashville for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up a bit 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:**
legal is strong here. engineering 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:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is improving - 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 solid. 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. Property taxes are high. Far from beaches/mountains. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 9/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
38 upvotes
Sofia Martin
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 34, moved here 1 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Springfield and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The healthcare situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for retirees. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 Austin, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
20 upvotes
Valentina
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 8 years ago from Pittsburgh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Oak Park. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in construction. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 5 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
16 upvotes
Bennett Phillips
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's not perfect but it works for me. Internet is decent in most areas.
All Countries
