Crime rate is something to consider -Loving sits at 495.8 per 100K. The unemployment rate is 2.5%, which is pretty low. With a population of 1,317, Loving is a small town. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. TIA! Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The weather takes some getting used to. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. 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. The weather takes some getting used to. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
6 upvotes
9 Replies
Kayden B.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 7 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**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 stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have national forests 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. Winters are long and cold. Limited entertainment options. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
40 upvotes
Stella D.
Came here for school and stayed because the quality of life is solid. The cost of living is honestly challenging and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
37 upvotes
Valentina Reed
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 55, moved here 15 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Oak Park and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Affordable housing options
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The traffic situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for young professionals. excellent 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 Baltimore, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $60K-$70K 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.
29 upvotes
James Ross
Bought a house here in 2022 and it's exactly what I was looking for. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
24 upvotes
Isabella Reed
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value school system, you'll love it. The community vibe is genuinely improving and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Midtown) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Miami, be prepared for the culture shock. housing market is completely different here. And Nightlife is limited.
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.
15 upvotes
Cora Morris
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 7 years ago from Charlotte and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Eastside. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 10 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like farm-to-table.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
13 upvotes
Genesis Thompson
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is dating scene. it's exactly what I was looking for. Worth doing your research before committing.
10 upvotes
Hailey Sanders
hard disagree but ok
10 upvotes
Mason B.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are underrated, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
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