Been meaning to ask this. It's a a small town city with about 23,151 people. You can expect to pay around $1,376 for rent here. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. What are your go-to spots? Thanks in advance!
5 upvotes
15 Replies
Eliana Gonzalez
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 Boston for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2021 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. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is improving - 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. Riverside schools are average. 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. Winters are long and cold. Road conditions need improvement. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
36 upvotes
Audrey Brooks
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 10 years ago from Charlotte and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Highland. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in government. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 9 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like Vietnamese.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
36 upvotes
Justin M.
Used to live on the West side, now on the Oak Park side. Completely different vibe. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
36 upvotes
Ian White
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 8 years. Moved from Houston for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth down slightly 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:**
consulting is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. North schools are hit or miss. 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. Limited entertainment options. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 9/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
34 upvotes
Eva Bennett
Bought a house here in 2020 and I genuinely enjoy living here. Property values have gone about the same since then.
33 upvotes
Gabriel G.
Totally agree!
33 upvotes
Isabelle P.
thanks for sharing
30 upvotes
Kennedy
The food scene here is excellent. Tons of great Korean places. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
26 upvotes
Janice P.
Came here for weather and stayed because it exceeded my expectations. The healthcare is honestly underrated and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
18 upvotes
Gabriel Hall
Totally agree!
12 upvotes
Santiago Parker
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's been a really good experience overall. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
10 upvotes
Jack T.
noted, appreciate it
8 upvotes
Matthew Allen
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I love the pace of life here. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
3 upvotes
jaxrunner2020
We moved here with our family and it's exactly what I was looking for. Schools in Old Town area are underrated. Kids love it here.
2 upvotes
Jose C.
Came here for a fresh start and stayed because it exceeded my expectations. The pet-friendliness is honestly tough and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
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