We have two kids and Median household income is $59,602, which feels about average for the area. It's a a smaller city city with about 26,871 people. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The weather takes some getting used to. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Does this match your experience? There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The suburbs are where most families end up. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The suburbs are where most families end up. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
25 upvotes
6 Replies
Colton Gutierrez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 42, moved here 11 years ago from New York. I've lived in Springfield and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Can feel isolated
3. The nightlife situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for singles. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 New York, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
34 upvotes
Gabriella Young
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are challenging, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
28 upvotes
Danielle P.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 3 years. Moved from Boston for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. engineering 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 exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - 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 underrated. 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. Limited public transit options. Property taxes are high. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
26 upvotes
Sebastian Nelson
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 10 years ago from Denver and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Riverside. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in finance. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 3 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like Southern.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
22 upvotes
Lucy Mendoza
facts
1 upvotes
Luca Ruiz
We moved here with our family and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Schools in South area are hit or miss. Kids love it here.
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