Random thought, Rent is about $1,782/month for a decent place. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
2 upvotes
10 Replies
oliver_soul
yep
39 upvotes
Ella Martinez
I'm a lawyer and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The community is decent and there's always something going on.
37 upvotes
Doris R.
following this thread
34 upvotes
Waylon Brown
Used to live on the The Heights side, now on the East side. Completely different vibe. it's been a really good experience overall.
34 upvotes
Daniel D.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I love the pace of life here. Definitely worth checking out..
27 upvotes
Lisa W.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from Raleigh about 8 years ago. The main reasons were weather and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good healthcare facilities
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are reasonable, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
15 upvotes
Sara R.
Totally agree!
11 upvotes
Adam Ross
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The pet-friendliness is genuinely pretty good and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (Sunset) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Portland, be prepared for the culture shock. dating scene is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
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.
10 upvotes
Ellie Sanders
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 Nashville for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have desert landscapes 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 hit or miss. 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 public transit options. Property taxes are high. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 7/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.