Hi all, It's a a smaller city city with about 55,583 people. Crime rate is something to consider -Olympia sits at 476.7 per 100K. Poverty rate is 10.2%, which is around average. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Does this match your experience? The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
6 upvotes
7 Replies
Aurora Bailey
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Atlanta about 13 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Four distinct seasons
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are competitive, gas is better than expected.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
37 upvotes
samuel_vibes
this is the way
32 upvotes
Stella T.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I love the pace of life here. Internet is hit or miss in most areas.
25 upvotes
Jacob Rivera
I work in government here and it's been a really good experience overall. The job market for my field is surprisingly good. Good luck with whatever you decide..
24 upvotes
Charlotte Gomez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 6 years. Moved from Baltimore for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2017 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. tech 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's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have national forests 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 tough. 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. Dating scene is rough. Homeless population growing downtown. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 8/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
9 upvotes
Jayden Hughes
yeah no that's not right
8 upvotes
Noah Morgan
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Uptown for 9 years. Moved from Nashville for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2021 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. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have beaches 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 better than expected. 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Homeless population growing downtown. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
All Countries
