Not sure if this has been asked before, but I'm a teacher here and Poverty rate is 4.5%, which is pretty low. It's a a mid-size city city with about 125K people. Homes are going for about $485,000 on average. Median household income is $98,686, which feels pretty solid for the area. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The city has invested a lot in new development. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Should I be concerned? The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
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2 Replies
Anthony B.
I've lived in Riverside for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Miami, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Strong job market in several industries
- The walkability scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Homeless population growing downtown
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for young professionals. Happy to answer more specific questions..
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Sophie Nelson
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value school system, you'll love it. The dating scene is genuinely hit or miss and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (North) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from LA, be prepared for the culture shock. cost of living is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.