Worst things about Mentor-on-the-Lake nobody talks about
Hello, Born and raised here. Median household income is $61,320, which feels about average for the area. The unemployment rate is 1.3%, which is pretty low. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Worth the trade-offs? Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
12 upvotes
10 Replies
river_sarah72
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 47, moved here 3 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in North and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The community vibe situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for couples. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: 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 San Diego, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $50K-$130K 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.
40 upvotes
Skylar Hill
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 3 years. Moved from Houston for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is tough - we have national forests 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 excellent. 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. Dating scene is rough. And food scene 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.
35 upvotes
Parker Turner
My experience has been mostly positive. it's not perfect but it works for me. The only thing I'd watch out for is community vibe. Other than that, Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
34 upvotes
Noah
Hot take but I genuinely enjoy living here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 15 years here, that's my honest assessment.
23 upvotes
Amelia Wood
I'm a electrician and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The community is decent and there's always something going on.
17 upvotes
Jonathan S.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's been a really good experience overall. Internet is better than expected in most areas.
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