Anyone else feel this way? I'm a college student here and Poverty rate is 0.8%, which is pretty low. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Anyone in a similar situation? Appreciate any input. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
5 upvotes
12 Replies
Santiago White
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value community vibe, you'll love it. The safety is genuinely tough and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Sunset) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Dallas, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
38 upvotes
Danielle P.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value housing market, you'll love it. The school system is genuinely solid and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Highland) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Tampa, be prepared for the culture shock. food scene is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
37 upvotes
Lily Martinez
wish I knew this sooner
36 upvotes
Dominic Stewart
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is nightlife. it was the best decision I ever made. Worth doing your research before committing.
33 upvotes
Thomas Rogers
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 43, moved here 6 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in Pine Hills and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Decent public transit for the size
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The nightlife situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for remote workers. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: 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 Salt Lake City, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $40K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
31 upvotes
Ava Mitchell
I've lived in Riverside for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's not perfect but it works for me. When I first moved here from Raleigh, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Four distinct seasons
- The public transit scene is tough
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for remote workers. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
28 upvotes
Bennett Wright
spot on
27 upvotes
Sarah
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 9 years. Moved from Atlanta for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. 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 3-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Westside schools are hit or miss. 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Limited entertainment options. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 5/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
26 upvotes
portlandrunner2021
exactly what I was thinking
22 upvotes
Mackenzie Rodriguez
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is community vibe. I genuinely enjoy living here. Worth doing your research before committing.
9 upvotes
Easton C.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 12 years ago from Chicago and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Highland. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 4 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like Indian.
Hope this helps!.
7 upvotes
Wayne S.
Weather-wise, the summers are challenging and winters are manageable. You get used to it after the first year.
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