Hey everyone, Average temperature is around 64--F, so the weather is moderate. It's a a small town city with about 13,479 people. Household incomes average around $60,999 in Lake Los Angeles. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. What do you all think? Night life is decent if you know the right spots. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
7 upvotes
9 Replies
Weston Long
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 33, moved here 10 years ago from LA. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The school system situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for singles. challenging 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 excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $70K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
38 upvotes
Patricia S.
interesting, hadn't considered that
37 upvotes
Randy R.
facts
28 upvotes
Gabriel K.
I'm a sales manager and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. The community is improving and there's always something going on.
28 upvotes
Stella T.
same here
26 upvotes
Benjamin H.
Can confirm, been here 10 years.
20 upvotes
Jaxon Taylor
spot on
18 upvotes
Jace Gomez
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. it's been a really good experience overall. Compared to Pittsburgh it's decent.
15 upvotes
Jose Myers
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 New York for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is improving - we have state parks 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 underrated. 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 high-paying job options. Limited shopping options. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 7/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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