First post here. Anyone in a similar situation? It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
20 upvotes
14 Replies
Carter Diaz
My experience has been mostly positive. it's been a really good experience overall. The only thing I'd watch out for is walkability. Other than that, Definitely worth checking out..
34 upvotes
chill_xavier2
Came here for quality of life and stayed because the quality of life is solid. The nightlife is honestly tough and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
33 upvotes
Jordan White
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Chicago about 10 years ago. The main reasons were school and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Four distinct seasons
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Can feel isolated
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are affordable, gas is challenging.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Happy to answer more specific questions..
29 upvotes
sofia_soul
Public transit is improving here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
29 upvotes
Carol F.
Public transit is challenging here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's not perfect but it works for me.
28 upvotes
Nathan O.
haha yep pretty much
23 upvotes
Greyson Jackson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 55, moved here 2 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Riverside and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Affordable housing options
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The school system situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for remote workers. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- North: 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 average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $80K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
21 upvotes
Kai Brooks
I work in tech here and I love the pace of life here. The job market for my field is surprisingly good. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
20 upvotes
Robert R.
I've lived in Eastside for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from LA, I was surprised by dating scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- The walkability scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for couples. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
16 upvotes
Grace Ross
honestly same experience here
13 upvotes
Abigail H.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 1 years. Moved from Dallas for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2019 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. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is solid - we have lakes 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 excellent. 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 shopping options. Limited entertainment options. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 7/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
13 upvotes
Eleanor Taylor
accurate
12 upvotes
Grayson Thomas
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 38, moved here 2 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Eastside and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The safety situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for families. average vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 San Francisco, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
10 upvotes
Arianna Thompson
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value dating scene, you'll love it. The community vibe is genuinely better than expected and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (Cedar Grove) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Tampa, be prepared for the culture shock. nightlife is completely different here. And Limited high-paying job options.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.