Hey everyone, We're a young couple and Average temperature is around 54--F, so expect cold winters. The weather takes some getting used to. The suburbs are where most families end up. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The city has invested a lot in new development.
18 upvotes
30 Replies
Sophia Howard
I've lived in Eastside for about 7 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's not perfect but it works for me. When I first moved here from Phoenix, I was surprised by dating scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good airport with direct flights
- The community vibe scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for retirees. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
38 upvotes
Allison Davis
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it was the best decision I ever made. Good luck with whatever you decide..
38 upvotes
Wesley Moore
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are solid, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
35 upvotes
Hannah Torres
exactly what I was thinking
34 upvotes
Benjamin Green
wish I knew this sooner
34 upvotes
Nora J.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 1 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the nightlife is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Fairview side vs the The Heights side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
33 upvotes
Sophia Hughes
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Uptown for 6 years. Moved from LA for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth down slightly 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:**
healthcare is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is decent - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Uptown schools are excellent. 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. Homeless population growing downtown. Limited entertainment options. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 9/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
32 upvotes
Hunter Cook
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 45, moved here 8 years ago from Miami. I've lived in The Heights and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Affordable housing options
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Can feel isolated
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The weather situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for young professionals. underrated 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 Miami, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $100K-$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.
32 upvotes
desert_aria99
lol so true
31 upvotes
Andrew M.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 9 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is nightlife. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Pine Hills side vs the West side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
31 upvotes
tulsa_cameron
following this thread
30 upvotes
Ethan Wilson
We moved here with our family and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Schools in Westside area are challenging. Kids love it here.
29 upvotes
Mateo G.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 1 years. Moved from Chicago for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. finance 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's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is decent - we have ski resorts 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 excellent. 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Homeless population growing downtown. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 6/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
29 upvotes
John J.
accurate
29 upvotes
Greyson Myers
Moved here from Atlanta about 10 years ago. the quality of life is solid. Still getting used to job market but It's not for everyone but it works for us..
24 upvotes
Katherine K.
literally same
24 upvotes
Luna T.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I love the pace of life here. Feel free to reach out with questions..
24 upvotes
Logan Nelson
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Internet is improving in most areas.
23 upvotes
Alice Gomez
this is the way
19 upvotes
Landon Reyes
bump
17 upvotes
Elizabeth Stewart
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Maple Ridge for 7 years. Moved from Seattle for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. real estate 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:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Maple Ridge schools are hit or miss. 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. Urban sprawl is real. Homeless population growing downtown. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 9/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
14 upvotes
Arianna Anderson
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is nightlife. I love the pace of life here. Worth doing your research before committing.
13 upvotes
Alice
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 40, moved here 13 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Uptown and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Close to major attractions
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Limited shopping options
3. The nightlife situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for retirees. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 Austin, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific 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.
12 upvotes
Aaliyah Perez
Used to live on the Springfield side, now on the Downtown side. Completely different vibe. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
12 upvotes
Martha P.
hard disagree but ok
6 upvotes
Kaylee M.
this is the way
5 upvotes
Mason Kim
I've been living here for 14 years and I'd say I genuinely enjoy living here. The public transit is hit or miss compared to other places I've lived. Overall Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
5 upvotes
Clara Foster
Bought a house here in 2016 and it's been a really good experience overall. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
2 upvotes
jaxkid2025
Came here for cost of living and stayed because it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor recreation is honestly surprisingly good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
1 upvotes
Jonathan Murphy
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The safety is genuinely challenging and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Downtown) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Miami, be prepared for the culture shock. school system is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
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.
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