The median home value here is around $328,700, which seems about average. Rent is about $1,738/month for a decent place. You can expect to pay around $1,738 for rent here. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. What would you do? TIA! It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
26 upvotes
14 Replies
Barbara P.
I'm a HR manager and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. The community is average and there's always something going on.
39 upvotes
Benjamin Anderson
I've been living here for 12 years and I'd say I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The food scene is decent compared to other places I've lived. Overall It's not for everyone but it works for us..
38 upvotes
Dominic Wood
I've lived in Cedar Grove for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Nashville, 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
- Decent public transit for the size
- The dating scene scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Property taxes are high
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for young professionals. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
37 upvotes
Lillian Stewart
nah I disagree
33 upvotes
Angel Watson
I've been living here for 11 years and I'd say it exceeded my expectations. The pet-friendliness is decent compared to other places I've lived. Overall Good luck with whatever you decide..
30 upvotes
David Garcia
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 48, moved here 5 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in The Heights and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The school system situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for singles. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 Seattle, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $70K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
29 upvotes
Avery
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 51, moved here 8 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in Pine Hills and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The dating scene situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for retirees. improving vibes, walkable.
- Sunset: 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 Nashville, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $80K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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
Sarah C.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 3 years. Moved from Austin for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2017 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. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - 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 decent. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Nightlife is limited. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 8/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
25 upvotes
milwaukee_delilah
I've lived in East for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Chicago, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The dating scene scene is average
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for retirees. Feel free to reach out with questions..
16 upvotes
Piper Hill
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value food scene, you'll love it. The outdoor recreation is genuinely challenging and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (South) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Francisco, be prepared for the culture shock. housing market is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
12 upvotes
Leah Wilson
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are better than expected, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
10 upvotes
Christian Cook
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Internet is improving in most areas.
9 upvotes
Brooks R.
seconding this
5 upvotes
Vivian L.
I've lived in East for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Minneapolis, I was surprised by cost of living. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The dating scene scene is solid
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for singles. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
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