Military spouse here. Poverty rate is 6.0%, which is pretty low. Median household income is $72,381, which feels about average for the area. Rent is about $908/month for a decent place. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. What are your go-to spots? The city has invested a lot in new development. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
13 upvotes
4 Replies
Roman Kelly
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 49, moved here 12 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in South and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The cost of living situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for remote workers. decent 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 San Diego, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$70K 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.
32 upvotes
Nolan C.
Weather-wise, the summers are underrated and winters are established. You get used to it after the first year.
20 upvotes
Adam Nguyen
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 12 years ago from Houston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Riverside. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in construction. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 8 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like seafood.
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