Alright, Military spouse here. With a population of 10,699, Orono is a small town. Crime rate is something to consider -Orono sits at 65.3 per 100K. The median home value here is around $219,200, which is actually reasonable. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Is this normal for Orono? The food scene here is surprisingly good. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The suburbs are where most families end up. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The city has invested a lot in new development. The weather takes some getting used to. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
4 upvotes
3 Replies
urban_jeremiah14
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 13 years. Moved from Baltimore for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2017 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. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is improving - 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. Riverside schools are average. 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. Far from beaches/mountains. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
35 upvotes
Grace Price
exactly what I was thinking
30 upvotes
Jean A.
Hot take but I have mixed feelings honestly. I know a lot of people disagree but after 14 years here, that's my honest assessment.
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