Hey, Military spouse here. It's a a mid-size city city with about 185K people. Poverty rate is 11.6%, which is around average. The median home value here is around $243,300, which is actually reasonable. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's changing fast — some good, some not so much. The weather takes some getting used to. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The suburbs are where most families end up. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The weather takes some getting used to. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
60 upvotes
3 Replies
boston_landon
We moved here with our family and I love the pace of life here. Schools in Riverside area are average. Kids love it here.
26 upvotes
Michael Bennett
I've lived in East for about 10 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Tampa, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good healthcare facilities
- The traffic scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for retirees. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
8 upvotes
Cameron Kim
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 30, moved here 5 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in Greenfield and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Bugs and humidity in summer
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The school system situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for couples. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $80K-$150K 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.
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