OK so Median household income is $36,570, which feels on the lower side for the area. Worth the trade-offs?
11 upvotes
15 Replies
Jordan Hughes
good to know, thanks
38 upvotes
Bennett Phillips
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 6 years. Moved from San Francisco for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is decent - we have lakes 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 high-paying job options. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 5/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
36 upvotes
Michael A.
been saying this for years
35 upvotes
Oliver S.
Moved here from Atlanta about 1 years ago. it's been a really good experience overall. Still getting used to public transit but Hope this helps!.
35 upvotes
Quinn J.
The food scene here is average. Tons of great Thai places. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
34 upvotes
Isaac Allen
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cultural scene, you'll love it. The cost of living is genuinely better than expected and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (The Heights) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Miami, be prepared for the culture shock. pet-friendliness is completely different here. And Road conditions need improvement.
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.
34 upvotes
Michael C.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 1 years ago from Denver and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Uptown. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in engineering. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 18 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like Vietnamese.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
33 upvotes
Gianna Lee
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want cultural scene, then yeah this place is great. But if safety matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
29 upvotes
chill_julian73
Moved here last year, no regrets.
13 upvotes
Samuel Brooks
I've lived in Old Town for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good healthcare facilities
- The cost of living scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for couples. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
9 upvotes
Alexander
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's been a really good experience overall. Internet is challenging in most areas.
5 upvotes
Hannah Patel
Moved here from Dallas about 11 years ago. it's been a really good experience overall. Still getting used to job market but It's not for everyone but it works for us..
3 upvotes
Alexa Price
wish I knew this sooner
3 upvotes
Jeremiah Nguyen
underrated comment
2 upvotes
Lucas Rivera
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are excellent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.