We're a young couple and The median home value here is around $122,600, which is actually reasonable. Median household income is $58,096, which feels about average for the area. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Is this normal for Newark? It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
13 upvotes
14 Replies
Angela J.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 3 years ago from Minneapolis and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in West. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in education. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 11 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like Thai.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
36 upvotes
Theodore Smith
100%
34 upvotes
Alice Sanders
100%
34 upvotes
Bennett R.
I'm a chef and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. The community is excellent and there's always something going on.
33 upvotes
Sarah Richardson
Hot take but it was the best decision I ever made. I know a lot of people disagree but after 6 years here, that's my honest assessment.
33 upvotes
nola_abigail
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want housing market, then yeah this place is great. But if housing market matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
30 upvotes
Maverick Ramos
couldn't agree more
28 upvotes
Addison E.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 40, moved here 6 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Sunset and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Active local events and festivals
2. Strong sense of community
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The job market situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for couples. challenging vibes, walkable.
- North: 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 Raleigh, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with 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.
27 upvotes
Easton
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 11 years. Moved from Seattle for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up a bit 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:**
engineering is strong here. legal 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:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is decent - 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 better than expected. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Limited entertainment options. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 8/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
27 upvotes
Emma Ross
yep
26 upvotes
Abigail Price
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 4 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is food scene. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the nightlife is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The North side vs the South side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
17 upvotes
Bennett R.
underrated comment
10 upvotes
Sophia Gutierrez
Came here for quality of life and stayed because I'm still on the fence after all this time. The community vibe is honestly solid and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
All Countries
