Not sure if this has been asked before, but I work in logistics and It's a a small town city with about 7,600 people. Crime rate is something to consider -Hubbard sits at 116.5 per 100K. The suburbs are where most families end up. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Anyone in a similar situation? Appreciate any input. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
14 upvotes
9 Replies
Ryan Wright
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 12 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is nightlife. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Pine Hills side vs the Downtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
30 upvotes
Christian Long
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 7 years. Moved from Seattle for a job opportunity. 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 3-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is challenging - 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 better than expected. 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Homeless population growing downtown. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 9/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
27 upvotes
Emilia C.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is outdoor recreation. I love the pace of life here. Worth doing your research before committing.
20 upvotes
Rylee Ramos
I've been living here for 1 years and I'd say it was the best decision I ever made. The school system is tough compared to other places I've lived. Overall Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
20 upvotes
Hailey M.
Saving this thread
19 upvotes
Carter Perez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 51, moved here 2 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Diverse dining options
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The housing market situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for retirees. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $100K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
15 upvotes
Brielle Jimenez
yep
15 upvotes
Julian Ward
I'm a real estate agent and I've found it exceeded my expectations. The community is underrated and there's always something going on.
9 upvotes
Quinn Morales
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely improving and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Midtown) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from LA, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Road conditions need improvement.
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.
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