Random thought, The median home value here is around $277,900, which seems about average. Rent is about $1,323/month for a decent place. The city has invested a lot in new development. Has anyone dealt with this? Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
4 upvotes
7 Replies
Xavier Young
great question, following
34 upvotes
Ava Nelson
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 6 years ago from Houston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Sunset. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in consulting. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 18 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like sushi.
Definitely worth checking out..
34 upvotes
Adeline Hill
Totally agree!
24 upvotes
Emma S.
I've lived in Riverside for about 7 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from San Francisco, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Strong sense of community
- The school system scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for singles. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
20 upvotes
Theresa A.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. it was the best decision I ever made. Compared to San Francisco it's average.
11 upvotes
Roman Nelson
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 7 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into running, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Springfield side vs the The Heights side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
5 upvotes
Joseph Evans
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 40, moved here 13 years ago from Boston. I've lived in South and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Can feel isolated
3. The outdoor recreation situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for couples. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 Boston, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $60K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
All Countries
