Curious what people think. Military spouse here. Homes are going for about $345,100 on average. The city has invested a lot in new development. What neighborhoods would you suggest?
6 upvotes
5 Replies
Stella James
glad someone said it
28 upvotes
Donna P.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 11 years. Moved from Raleigh for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2017 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. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. healthcare 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:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have hiking 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. Bugs and humidity in summer. Far from beaches/mountains. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 9/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
27 upvotes
tampa_ryan
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Compared to Raleigh it's underrated.
12 upvotes
Robert Nelson
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Internet is excellent in most areas.
10 upvotes
Melanie R.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from Baltimore about 2 years ago. The main reasons were weather and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Active local events and festivals
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are wild, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
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