Been meaning to ask this. I'm originally from San Francisco and The median home value here is around $332,000, which seems about average. The weather takes some getting used to. Thanks in advance! It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
5 upvotes
13 Replies
Emily P.
hard disagree but ok
36 upvotes
Scarlett W.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 9 years ago from Phoenix 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 Cedar Grove. It's decent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in manufacturing. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 15 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like Indian.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
34 upvotes
Kai
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's improved dramatically in recent years. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
33 upvotes
Caroline N.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from San Diego about 7 years ago. The main reasons were school and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good schools in most areas
- Good healthcare facilities
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are established, gas is excellent.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
32 upvotes
William Brown
Moved here from Phoenix about 14 years ago. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Still getting used to housing market but Would recommend to anyone considering it..
29 upvotes
Camila
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 15 years. Moved from Boston for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is solid - 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 better than expected. 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Chain restaurants dominate. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
28 upvotes
Hudson Rogers
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 35, moved here 6 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Greenfield and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The weather situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for families. decent vibes, walkable.
- Sunset: 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 Baltimore, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $80K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
22 upvotes
Waylon
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 42, moved here 8 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Pine Hills and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The outdoor recreation situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for retirees. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- North: 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 Diego, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $80K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
22 upvotes
Ethan Morgan
I've been living here for 1 years and I'd say the quality of life is solid. The nightlife is hit or miss compared to other places I've lived. Overall Hope this helps!.
21 upvotes
Daniel Thomas
underrated comment
8 upvotes
Asher Ruiz
Hot take but it's not perfect but it works for me. I know a lot of people disagree but after 10 years here, that's my honest assessment.
4 upvotes
Gabriel A.
I've lived in Riverside for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from Phoenix, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Active local events and festivals
- The food scene scene is decent
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for couples. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
3 upvotes
Eliana Morales
We moved here with our family and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Schools in Uptown area are hit or miss. Kids love it here.
All Countries
