Been meaning to ask this. Median household income is $55,019, which feels about average for the area. Would love some local perspective.
9 upvotes
10 Replies
Luna Castillo
hmm interesting perspective
39 upvotes
Ruby
as a local I can confirm
38 upvotes
Silas T.
Public transit is improving here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it exceeded my expectations.
34 upvotes
Ezra S.
We moved here with our family and I genuinely enjoy living here. Schools in East area are tough. Kids love it here.
32 upvotes
Zachary S.
I've lived in Riverside for about 7 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Portland, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Good internet infrastructure
- The dating scene scene is solid
The downsides:
- Property taxes are high
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for young professionals. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
32 upvotes
Michael James
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 15 years. Moved from San Diego for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. real estate 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:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. South schools are improving. 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 very walkable outside downtown. Limited entertainment options. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 6/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
28 upvotes
Easton Reyes
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 4 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Highland side vs the Fairview side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
20 upvotes
Adam L.
We moved here with our family and it exceeded my expectations. Schools in Midtown area are challenging. Kids love it here.
19 upvotes
Joshua Ortiz
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is cultural scene. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Worth doing your research before committing.