My partner and I are Poverty rate is 10.6%, which is around average. It's a a smaller city city with about 30,227 people. The median home value here is around $271,000, which seems about average. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The suburbs are where most families end up. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
Pros:
- Friendly people
- Easy commute
- Walkable downtown
- Plenty of shopping options
Cons:
- Limited public transit
- Sprawl everywhere
- Few job opportunities in some fields
- Poor road conditions
- Not enough green space
What neighborhoods would you suggest? It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The suburbs are where most families end up. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
13 upvotes
10 Replies
Emilia T.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 57, moved here 15 years ago from Denver. I've lived in Pine Hills and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Affordable housing options
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The outdoor recreation situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for families. average vibes, walkable.
- East: 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 Denver, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $90K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
38 upvotes
Hudson White
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 15 years. Moved from Houston for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have biking trails 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 challenging. 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. Property taxes are high. Homeless population growing downtown. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
30 upvotes
Christian Hernandez
following this thread
29 upvotes
Melanie
This.
27 upvotes
Carter Ortiz
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is traffic. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Worth doing your research before committing.
18 upvotes
Evan Cox
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a teacher who relocated here from Nashville about 13 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Four distinct seasons
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are stable, gas is underrated.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
18 upvotes
brielle_chef
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 3 years. Moved from Minneapolis for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2016 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. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is decent - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. East schools are surprisingly good. 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. Limited public transit options. Homeless population growing downtown. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
9 upvotes
Emmett R.
We moved here with our family and I love the pace of life here. Schools in Springfield area are solid. Kids love it here.
8 upvotes
Abigail J.
glad someone said it
3 upvotes
nola_adrian
I've lived in East for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from Tampa, I was surprised by safety. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Good airport with direct flights
- The traffic scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for retirees. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
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