Alright, Born and raised here. Crime rate is something to consider -Madison sits at 6.1 per 100K. With a population of 16,464, Madison is a small town. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Worth the trade-offs? Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
0 upvotes
6 Replies
Amelia Lewis
Public transit is decent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it was the best decision I ever made.
23 upvotes
Colton Sanchez
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 Phoenix for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. 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 2-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. healthcare 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 not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have state parks 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 surprisingly good. 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Road conditions need improvement. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
8 upvotes
Kennedy H.
Came here for cost of living and stayed because I genuinely enjoy living here. The housing market is honestly decent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
8 upvotes
Greyson Sanchez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 43, moved here 6 years ago from Denver. I've lived in Eastside and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Urban sprawl is real
3. The housing market situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for couples. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 Denver, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
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