OK so My family moved here when I was a kid. Poverty rate is 7.0%, which is pretty low. Rent is about $908/month for a decent place. Homes are going for about $168,400 on average. The unemployment rate is 1.7%, which is pretty low. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Thoughts? Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
28 upvotes
9 Replies
Hunter Murphy
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is cost of living. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Worth doing your research before committing.
39 upvotes
Elena R.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 10 years ago from Miami and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Riverside. It's decent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in consulting. If you're in finance you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 16 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like sushi.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
39 upvotes
Eli Ward
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 11 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is community vibe. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Old Town side vs the Riverside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
33 upvotes
Mason Rivera
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 27, moved here 1 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Eastside and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited shopping options
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The cultural scene situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for remote workers. solid vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: 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 San Francisco, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $90K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
33 upvotes
orlandopapa2025
The food scene here is solid. Tons of great farm-to-table places. I genuinely enjoy living here.
31 upvotes
Easton Mitchell
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is public transit. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Worth doing your research before committing.
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