I grew up here but left for a while. Homes are going for about $238,000 on average. Poverty rate is 12.0%, which is around average. You can expect to pay around $957 for rent here. Average temperature is around 56--F, so the weather is moderate. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Should I be concerned? The weather takes some getting used to. The city has invested a lot in new development. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
10 upvotes
13 Replies
Ariana Walker
wish I knew this sooner
40 upvotes
Alexander Bailey
honestly same experience here
37 upvotes
Brooklyn
accurate
35 upvotes
lake_delilah77
noted, appreciate it
29 upvotes
Wesley Cook
noted, appreciate it
27 upvotes
Quinn H.
preach
26 upvotes
Nathan O.
I'm a social worker and I've found I love the pace of life here. The community is improving and there's always something going on.
24 upvotes
Emmett W.
I work in education here and I have mixed feelings honestly. The job market for my field is underrated. Feel free to reach out with questions..
21 upvotes
Ruby Lopez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 11 years. Moved from Denver for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2016 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. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. 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 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. Urban sprawl is real. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 7/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
17 upvotes
Amelia Jimenez
Saving this thread
10 upvotes
Nolan Kim
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 8 years. Moved from Raleigh for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth down slightly 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:**
government is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is better than expected - 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. Lakewood 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. Rising rent and home prices. Chain restaurants dominate. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
9 upvotes
Lauren B.
Used to live on the Lakewood side, now on the East side. Completely different vibe. I genuinely enjoy living here.
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