Curious what people think. I'm a college student here and I'd say it's better for families
5 upvotes
12 Replies
Michael Collins
As someone who grew up here, it exceeded my expectations. A lot has changed in the past few years though. food scene used to be much wild but now it's challenging.
40 upvotes
Wyatt Ortiz
We moved here with our family and I have mixed feelings honestly. Schools in South area are hit or miss. Kids love it here.
34 upvotes
Isaiah Lewis
Moved here from Chicago about 9 years ago. it's been a really good experience overall. Still getting used to cultural scene but Feel free to reach out with questions..
33 upvotes
Alice A.
I've lived in Riverside for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by community vibe. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The school system scene is decent
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Summers can be brutally hot
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for families. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
31 upvotes
Connor
My experience has been mostly positive. I'm still on the fence after all this time. The only thing I'd watch out for is school system. Other than that, Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
31 upvotes
Gabriella Flores
The food scene here is challenging. Tons of great Italian places. I love the pace of life here.
22 upvotes
seattle_zoe
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 12 years. Moved from Denver for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2017 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. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. North schools are decent. 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. Nightlife is limited. Property taxes are high. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
20 upvotes
Jacob R.
I've been living here for 4 years and I'd say I'm still on the fence after all this time. The school system is average compared to other places I've lived. Overall Good luck with whatever you decide..
19 upvotes
Jonathan Stewart
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. Good luck with whatever you decide..
18 upvotes
Chloe Cruz
seconding this
8 upvotes
Anna Jones
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is walkability. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Worth doing your research before committing.