Alright, With a population of 41,690, Marion is a smaller city. Median household income is $87,105, which feels pretty solid for the area. Homes are going for about $230,800 on average. Average temperature is around 50--F, so expect cold winters. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The suburbs are where most families end up. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The weather takes some getting used to. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The food scene here is surprisingly good. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
13 upvotes
6 Replies
denverpapa2020
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. it exceeded my expectations. Compared to San Francisco it's improving.
28 upvotes
Hunter W.
thanks for sharing
26 upvotes
nolamama2026
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 Raleigh for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. construction 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 exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have ski resorts 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 decent. 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. Can feel isolated. Limited shopping options. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 9/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
14 upvotes
Caleb Reyes
spot on
5 upvotes
Leah T.
same here
3 upvotes
Levi Hill
I've been living here for 4 years and I'd say I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The housing market is tough compared to other places I've lived. Overall No regrets on my end..