Should I move to Mount Vista or stay in Albuquerque?
Rent is about $1,876/month for a decent place. Poverty rate is 5.6%, which is pretty low. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. What neighborhoods would you suggest? It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
5 upvotes
10 Replies
gabriel_life
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 30, moved here 4 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Westside and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Close to major attractions
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Limited shopping options
3. The dating scene situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for families. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 Tampa, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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
Julia Stewart
been saying this for years
37 upvotes
Miles Bennett
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 Charlotte for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2022 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:**
legal is strong here. engineering 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:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is improving - we have desert landscapes 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 underrated. 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Can feel isolated. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 5/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
35 upvotes
Wesley Rodriguez
Hot take but it's not perfect but it works for me. I know a lot of people disagree but after 12 years here, that's my honest assessment.
33 upvotes
Ethan Myers
this is the way
22 upvotes
Olivia G.
Came here for family and stayed because it exceeded my expectations. The safety is honestly surprisingly good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
21 upvotes
Sophie Thomas
Public transit is surprisingly good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
19 upvotes
Camila
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Dallas about 7 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good healthcare facilities
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are stable, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Happy to answer more specific questions..
19 upvotes
Riley Mitchell
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want dating scene, then yeah this place is great. But if food scene matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
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