We're a young couple and Median household income is $183,466, which feels pretty solid for the area. The unemployment rate is 2.8%, which is pretty low. It's a a smaller city city with about 25,461 people. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The city has invested a lot in new development. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
16 upvotes
15 Replies
Scarlett Moore
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it exceeded my expectations. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
39 upvotes
Victoria Rodriguez
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's exactly what I was looking for. Hope this helps!.
37 upvotes
Nolan Bailey
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is cultural scene. I have mixed feelings honestly. Worth doing your research before committing.
35 upvotes
Cora
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it exceeded my expectations. Internet is decent in most areas.
30 upvotes
Ezra S.
accurate
29 upvotes
Henry Wright
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Nashville about 15 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Four distinct seasons
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Urban sprawl is real
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are established, gas is average.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Happy to answer more specific questions..
28 upvotes
Andrew Hernandez
literally same
26 upvotes
Carter Castillo
facts
22 upvotes
Caleb Johnson
preach
18 upvotes
Mary K.
I've lived in Riverside for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Portland, I was surprised by safety. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- The school system scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Limited entertainment options
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for couples. Good luck with whatever you decide..
17 upvotes
Gabriel
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 39, moved here 8 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Highland and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Diverse dining options
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The pet-friendliness situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for families. decent vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 Portland, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
12 upvotes
Mateo C.
Bought a house here in 2016 and it was the best decision I ever made. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
10 upvotes
Liam G.
We moved here with our family and it exceeded my expectations. Schools in The Heights area are surprisingly good. Kids love it here.
10 upvotes
Peyton Roberts
been saying this for years
9 upvotes
Camila Jones
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, the quality of life is solid. Definitely worth checking out..
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