Hey folks, I'm a college student here and Poverty rate is 4.9%, which is pretty low. The median home value here is around $531,400, which is pretty steep. Median household income is $94,648, which feels pretty solid for the area. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The suburbs are where most families end up. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The weather takes some getting used to. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
8 upvotes
4 Replies
John Murphy
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 15 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is community vibe. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The South side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
13 upvotes
Aaron M.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a nurse who relocated here from Tampa about 5 years ago. The main reasons were family and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good healthcare facilities
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are competitive, gas is decent.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
13 upvotes
Kathleen T.
I've lived in Riverside for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from San Francisco, I was surprised by food scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Four distinct seasons
- The healthcare scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for families. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
5 upvotes
Gabriella Gomez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value safety, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely decent and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (Old Town) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Houston, be prepared for the culture shock. nightlife 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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