So, Poverty rate is 5.7%, which is pretty low. Homes are going for about $469,700 on average. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Anyone in a similar situation? It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
4 upvotes
10 Replies
Alice B.
lol so true
39 upvotes
Everly Phillips
underrated comment
36 upvotes
Parker Jones
My experience has been mostly positive. I have mixed feelings honestly. The only thing I'd watch out for is cultural scene. Other than that, Definitely worth checking out..
36 upvotes
Ella Cook
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 8 years ago from Phoenix and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in East. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in consulting. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 6 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: better than expected. Tons of options if you like Vietnamese.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
31 upvotes
Sofia Murphy
I've lived in Riverside for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from LA, I was surprised by cost of living. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good schools in most areas
- The walkability scene is average
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Limited high-paying job options
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for families. Definitely worth checking out..
20 upvotes
Nevaeh Collins
seconding this
19 upvotes
Elena S.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Meadowbrook for 7 years. Moved from Chicago for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. hospitality 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 was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Meadowbrook schools are decent. 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. Can feel isolated. Limited shopping options. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 8/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
17 upvotes
Robert Rivera
Came here for family and stayed because it's exactly what I was looking for. The job market is honestly hit or miss and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
8 upvotes
Miles Nguyen
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 15 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is nightlife. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Riverside side vs the Downtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
6 upvotes
Bennett B.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Internet is underrated in most areas.
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