Hi all, Rent is about $3,501/month for a decent place. You can expect to pay around $3,501 for rent here. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Does this match your experience? Any help is appreciated. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The suburbs are where most families end up. The weather takes some getting used to. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
14 upvotes
3 Replies
Aubrey Perez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 32, moved here 2 years ago from LA. I've lived in South and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The weather situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for remote workers. improving vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 LA, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$90K 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.
20 upvotes
wild_angel53
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Boston about 12 years ago. The main reasons were school and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Strong sense of community
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are developing, gas is decent.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
3 upvotes
Harold K.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 9 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Cedar Grove side vs the South side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
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