OK so My family moved here when I was a kid. Rent is about $1,962/month for a decent place. Poverty rate is 8.8%, which is pretty low. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The weather takes some getting used to. What neighborhoods would you suggest? The weather takes some getting used to. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's changing fast — some good, some not so much. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
41 upvotes
13 Replies
Jeremiah Ross
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 8 years. Moved from Nashville for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2015 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. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is better than expected - 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. Riverside schools are surprisingly good. 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 school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 8/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
39 upvotes
Carter Brooks
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Hope this helps!.
37 upvotes
Olivia H.
I'm a pharmacist and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The community is underrated and there's always something going on.
34 upvotes
Hudson G.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Boston about 1 years ago. The main reasons were family and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Lots of new development happening
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are wild, gas is decent.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
28 upvotes
Aaliyah Flores
interesting, hadn't considered that
27 upvotes
Ian C.
We moved here with our family and it exceeded my expectations. Schools in East area are better than expected. Kids love it here.
24 upvotes
Gabriel Smith
Came here for a fresh start and stayed because I'm still on the fence after all this time. The walkability is honestly excellent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
20 upvotes
Connor Lewis
I've lived in Old Town for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Denver, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Lots of new development happening
- The traffic scene is improving
The downsides:
- Can feel isolated
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for retirees. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
17 upvotes
Jack Lopez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value public transit, you'll love it. The pet-friendliness is genuinely underrated and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (North) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Minneapolis, be prepared for the culture shock. school system is completely different here. And Not a lot of cultural diversity.
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.
12 upvotes
Reagan Chavez
wish I knew this sooner
12 upvotes
local_rylee40
yeah no that's not right
7 upvotes
Jace Stewart
spot on
3 upvotes
Maya Morris
Bought a house here in 2017 and I love the pace of life here. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
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