Curious what people think. I grew up here but left for a while. Poverty rate is 5.0%, which is pretty low. Median household income is $97,348, which feels pretty solid for the area. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
3 upvotes
12 Replies
Willie W.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 13 years. Moved from New York for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is average - 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. Riverside schools are excellent. 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. Can feel isolated. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
40 upvotes
Ezekiel Ramos
Moved here last year, no regrets.
34 upvotes
Paul M.
I work in retail here and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The job market for my field is solid. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
33 upvotes
Weston Young
My experience has been mostly positive. it was the best decision I ever made. The only thing I'd watch out for is dating scene. Other than that, Hope this helps!.
32 upvotes
Nicholas G.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 6 years. Moved from Denver for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. marketing 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:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have hiking trails 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 tough. 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
26 upvotes
Paisley Stewart
I've been living here for 2 years and I'd say there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The weather is tough compared to other places I've lived. Overall Feel free to reach out with questions..
24 upvotes
Joseph Gray
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want community vibe, then yeah this place is great. But if nightlife matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
19 upvotes
Kai James
it depends on the neighborhood
14 upvotes
Allison Reyes
Used to live on the West side, now on the Riverside side. Completely different vibe. it was the best decision I ever made.
12 upvotes
Christian A.
I work in engineering here and I have mixed feelings honestly. The job market for my field is decent. Definitely worth checking out..
11 upvotes
Samuel Scott
Moved here from Dallas about 4 years ago. I love the pace of life here. Still getting used to pet-friendliness but Would recommend to anyone considering it..
4 upvotes
Michael C.
Used to live on the Greenfield side, now on the East side. Completely different vibe. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
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