Is New Haven still affordable?

Kevin H. Mar 27, 2026

Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.

I've been in Riverside for 10 years. Moved from Atlanta for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. 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. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.

**Employment:**
finance is strong here. retail 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:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is improving - we have rivers 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Chain restaurants dominate. And safety can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 9/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.

36 upvotes

Oliver Mar 30, 2026

As someone who grew up here, it exceeded my expectations. A lot has changed in the past few years though. community vibe used to be much established but now it's decent.

6 upvotes