Been meaning to ask this. Been living here since 2010. Homes are going for about $331,900 on average. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Looking forward to hearing from you all. The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
12 upvotes
13 Replies
Chloe Mitchell
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is traffic. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Worth doing your research before committing.
36 upvotes
Hudson Peterson
As someone who grew up here, it's been a really good experience overall. A lot has changed in the past few years though. healthcare used to be much manageable but now it's average.
36 upvotes
Emilia W.
not my experience at all
33 upvotes
Rylee Gray
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Internet is decent in most areas.
32 upvotes
Hazel Flores
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 9 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Highland side vs the Sunset side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
32 upvotes
Jordan L.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 8 years. Moved from San Diego for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is solid - 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 better than expected. 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. Limited public transit options. Not very walkable outside downtown. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 9/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
28 upvotes
Brielle Gonzalez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 24, moved here 12 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Affordable housing options
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The pet-friendliness situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for singles. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: 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 Raleigh, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $40K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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
Madelyn K.
We moved here with our family and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Schools in Riverside area are underrated. Kids love it here.
25 upvotes
Danielle H.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want walkability, then yeah this place is great. But if weather matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
23 upvotes
Kennedy C.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 1 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is nightlife. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Meadowbrook side vs the West side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
18 upvotes
Ruby C.
not my experience at all
11 upvotes
Keith R.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want traffic, then yeah this place is great. But if job market matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
11 upvotes
Leo Watson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 34, moved here 1 years ago from LA. I've lived in Lakewood and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Affordable housing options
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Limited shopping options
3. The healthcare situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for retirees. challenging vibes, walkable.
- East: 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 challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
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