Hello, I'm a teacher here and Homes are going for about $158,400 on average. You can expect to pay around $1,046 for rent here. Crime rate is something to consider -Midwest City sits at 270.5 per 100K. With a population of 58,170, Midwest City is a smaller city. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Am I wrong here? The weather takes some getting used to. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The city has invested a lot in new development. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The weather takes some getting used to. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The city has invested a lot in new development.
9 upvotes
11 Replies
Emilia W.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want pet-friendliness, then yeah this place is great. But if job market matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
37 upvotes
Nicholas Martinez
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. the quality of life is solid. Internet is excellent in most areas.
36 upvotes
Grayson
spot on
27 upvotes
Naomi Reyes
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 5 years. Moved from New York for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is solid - 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 pretty 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. Homeless population growing downtown. Far from beaches/mountains. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
21 upvotes
Connor R.
Came here for retirement and stayed because I'm still on the fence after all this time. The school system is honestly average and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
15 upvotes
Cooper Robinson
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 12 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Old Town side vs the Eastside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
11 upvotes
Ezekiel Nelson
I've been living here for 5 years and I'd say I genuinely enjoy living here. The community vibe is surprisingly good compared to other places I've lived. Overall Hope this helps!.
7 upvotes
indysoul2026
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 30, moved here 13 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in Sunset and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited entertainment options
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The community vibe situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for young professionals. decent vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 Atlanta, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
5 upvotes
Cooper
Moved here last year, no regrets.
4 upvotes
Eleanor R.
My experience has been mostly positive. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The only thing I'd watch out for is outdoor recreation. Other than that, Good luck with whatever you decide..
3 upvotes
Melanie Brooks
My experience has been mostly positive. it exceeded my expectations. The only thing I'd watch out for is healthcare. Other than that, Hope this helps!.
All Countries
