Hi all, The median home value here is around $793,200, which is pretty stee
13 upvotes
14 Replies
Henry D.
I've lived in Riverside for about 2 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 Minneapolis, I was surprised by community vibe. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Active local events and festivals
- The safety scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Limited high-paying job options
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for singles. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
40 upvotes
Everett Myers
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 9 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is cultural scene. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Maple Ridge side vs the The Heights side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
39 upvotes
Robert T.
Hot take but it's been a really good experience overall. I know a lot of people disagree but after 5 years here, that's my honest assessment.
36 upvotes
Isaiah Wright
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Hope this helps!.
32 upvotes
Miles Nelson
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are hit or miss, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
31 upvotes
Victoria Perez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value traffic, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely improving and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (Meadowbrook) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Baltimore, be prepared for the culture shock. food scene is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
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.
24 upvotes
Luca J.
My experience has been mostly positive. it's exactly what I was looking for. The only thing I'd watch out for is community vibe. Other than that, Would recommend to anyone considering it..
22 upvotes
aaron_native
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 13 years ago from Austin and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Old Town. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in legal. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 11 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like Italian.
No regrets on my end..
17 upvotes
Mackenzie D.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. it was the best decision I ever made. Compared to Atlanta it's excellent.
13 upvotes
scarlett_kid
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from San Diego about 14 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Strong job market in several industries
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are wild, gas is solid.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. No regrets on my end..
13 upvotes
Nolan
We moved here with our family and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Schools in West area are decent. Kids love it here.
8 upvotes
Carter Wilson
this is the way
7 upvotes
minneapolispapa2021
couldn't agree more
6 upvotes
Thomas Chavez
I've lived in Oak Park for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Atlanta, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Close to major attractions
- Good airport with direct flights
- The cost of living scene is improving
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for young professionals. Happy to answer more specific questions..