Alright, Born and raised here. The median home value here is around $243,300, which is actually reasonable. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Worth the trade-offs? The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
16 upvotes
7 Replies
Everly Ward
I'm a electrician and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. The community is hit or miss and there's always something going on.
37 upvotes
Luke
The food scene here is improving. Tons of great Vietnamese places. I have mixed feelings honestly.
33 upvotes
Jordan Nguyen
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 51, moved here 13 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Cedar Grove and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The dating scene situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for singles. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 San Francisco, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $90K-$70K 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.
31 upvotes
Ruby
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's improved dramatically in recent years. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
29 upvotes
Melanie Hernandez
it depends on the neighborhood
14 upvotes
Axel Wilson
I've lived in Riverside for about 10 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from Charlotte, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good airport with direct flights
- The outdoor recreation scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for singles. No regrets on my end..
11 upvotes
Elena Cox
I'm a marketing manager and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The community is excellent and there's always something going on.
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