Hey, I've been here for 12 years and The unemployment rate is 1.4%, which is pretty low. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
6 upvotes
15 Replies
Michael Richardson
Can confirm, been here 9 years.
38 upvotes
Madeline Hall
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 11 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Lakewood side vs the The Heights side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
36 upvotes
Elizabeth Brown
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Minneapolis about 5 years ago. The main reasons were weather and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Lots of new development happening
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are established, gas is excellent.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
33 upvotes
Walter M.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 15 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2020 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. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have biking trails 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 solid. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Urban sprawl is real. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
28 upvotes
Aubrey Long
Hot take but it's not perfect but it works for me. I know a lot of people disagree but after 1 years here, that's my honest assessment.
26 upvotes
Willow Taylor
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I love the pace of life here. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
23 upvotes
Maya E.
+1
17 upvotes
Everett Mendoza
Weather-wise, the summers are surprisingly good and winters are growing. You get used to it after the first year.
12 upvotes
sf_jack
not my experience at all
10 upvotes
Shirley M.
seconding this
9 upvotes
Olivia Edwards
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Baltimore about 1 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Lots of new development happening
- Close to major attractions
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Homeless population growing downtown
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are wild, gas is excellent.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Hope this helps!.
9 upvotes
Nevaeh Jones
great question, following
8 upvotes
Josiah K.
Hot take but I love the pace of life here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 2 years here, that's my honest assessment.
7 upvotes
mountain_olivia38
The food scene here is hit or miss. Tons of great Vietnamese places. it was the best decision I ever made.
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