Hey folks, Born and raised here. Median household income is $82,273, which feels pretty solid for the area. Average temperature is around 71--F, so it's warm year-round. It's a a small town city with about 13,873 people. Household incomes average around $82,273 in Luling. The weather takes some getting used to. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. What would you do? There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The suburbs are where most families end up. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
8 upvotes
11 Replies
Lucy A.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 48, moved here 11 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Westside and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Nice parks and green spaces
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The traffic situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for young professionals. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 Tampa, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $50K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
37 upvotes
Jose Patel
We moved here with our family and it's been a really good experience overall. Schools in Midtown area are tough. Kids love it here.
30 upvotes
Melanie Parker
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 8 years. Moved from Miami for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have biking 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 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. Homeless population growing downtown. Bugs and humidity in summer. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 6/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
28 upvotes
native_kayden55
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 15 years ago from San Diego and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Riverside. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in engineering. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 13 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like Mediterranean.
No regrets on my end..
24 upvotes
Sofia Wood
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's not perfect but it works for me. Definitely worth checking out..
17 upvotes
Madelyn Stewart
Weather-wise, the summers are average and winters are reasonable. You get used to it after the first year.
16 upvotes
Jaxon Morgan
thanks for sharing
9 upvotes
Jaxon Hernandez
I've lived in Uptown for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Austin, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- The school system scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Nightlife is limited
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for remote workers. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
7 upvotes
Scarlett
good to know, thanks
7 upvotes
Mackenzie Ortiz
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want job market, then yeah this place is great. But if traffic matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.