Homes are going for about $229,500 on average. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Any help is appreciated. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
4 upvotes
15 Replies
Naomi Garcia
As someone who grew up here, it's not perfect but it works for me. A lot has changed in the past few years though. community vibe used to be much established but now it's tough.
37 upvotes
Paisley Rodriguez
good to know, thanks
36 upvotes
Katherine J.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 8 years ago from Dallas and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Lakewood. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in legal. If you're in education you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 3 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like Southern.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
35 upvotes
Ryan Patel
lol so true
29 upvotes
Santiago E.
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. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
28 upvotes
Nolan A.
spot on
26 upvotes
Jordan Ross
it depends on the neighborhood
23 upvotes
Waylon Wood
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 28, moved here 13 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Midtown and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The cost of living situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for retirees. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 developing. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $70K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
21 upvotes
Maria M.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 1 years ago from Tampa and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Eastside. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in finance. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 18 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like Italian.
Definitely worth checking out..
17 upvotes
Willow Collins
Public transit is surprisingly good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
15 upvotes
Alice Chavez
I've lived in Riverside for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Boston, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- The cost of living scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for retirees. Good luck with whatever you decide..
15 upvotes
Mackenzie W.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Baltimore about 6 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Good airport with direct flights
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are manageable, gas is decent.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
12 upvotes
Willow Parker
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from Dallas and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Lakewood. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in finance. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 6 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like Asian.
Hope this helps!.
12 upvotes
Lillian Lee
haha yep pretty much
5 upvotes
Amanda W.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a nurse who relocated here from New York about 1 years ago. The main reasons were work and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Property taxes are high
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are pricey, gas is excellent.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. No regrets on my end..
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