Anyone else feel this way? Median household income is $47,232, which feels on the lower side for the area. You can expect to pay around $1,012 for rent here. The unemployment rate is 3.3%, which is pretty low. It's a a small town city with about 1,952 people. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The suburbs are where most families end up. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Worth the trade-offs? Cheers. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The weather takes some getting used to. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
8 upvotes
7 Replies
Michael H.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are better than expected, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
36 upvotes
Axel Garcia
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 15 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Midtown side vs the West side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
30 upvotes
Christian Smith
This.
28 upvotes
Carolyn M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 37, moved here 8 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Pine Hills and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Limited shopping options
3. The cost of living situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for retirees. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 Baltimore, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
26 upvotes
Jameson Wood
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 13 years. Moved from Charlotte for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up significantly 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:**
manufacturing is strong here. education 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's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is excellent - 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 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. Winters are long and cold. Limited high-paying job options. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 7/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
16 upvotes
Mia M.
I'm a social worker and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. The community is pretty good and there's always something going on.
11 upvotes
Elena Davis
Public transit is excellent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's exactly what I was looking for.
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