First post here. Homes are going for about $315,100 on average. The city has invested a lot in new development. Should I be concerned? Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
8 upvotes
11 Replies
Grace Moore
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Houston about 3 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good schools in most areas
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Nightlife is limited
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are competitive, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. No regrets on my end..
40 upvotes
Maya Evans
Used to live on the Maple Ridge side, now on the Lakewood side. Completely different vibe. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
40 upvotes
Eleanor Cox
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 6 years. Moved from Tampa for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have biking trails 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 average. 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. Dating scene is rough. Limited entertainment options. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 8/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
39 upvotes
Peyton
preach
38 upvotes
Waylon Taylor
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 15 years ago from Charlotte and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Cedar Grove. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in consulting. If you're in manufacturing you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 13 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: better than expected. Tons of options if you like seafood.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
32 upvotes
Stella Thomas
literally same
27 upvotes
zoe_living
hard disagree but ok
26 upvotes
Easton
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 26, moved here 7 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Springfield and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Affordable housing 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. Winters are long and cold
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The pet-friendliness situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for couples. improving 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 Miami, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $40K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
25 upvotes
Jackson Torres
bump
23 upvotes
Billy R.
big facts right here
22 upvotes
Brielle Patel
Came here for school and stayed because it's improved dramatically in recent years. The school system is honestly challenging and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
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