Hello, I'm a college student here and You can expect to pay around $922 for rent here. Median household income is $63,288, which feels about average for the area. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The city has invested a lot in new development.
7 upvotes
6 Replies
Ezekiel Morales
I work in finance here and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The job market for my field is pretty good. No regrets on my end..
37 upvotes
Brooklyn H.
We moved here with our family and I have mixed feelings honestly. Schools in Springfield area are challenging. Kids love it here.
27 upvotes
Levi Thompson
same here
26 upvotes
sf_hudson
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 Austin for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2022 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:**
hospitality is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is improving - 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 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Limited shopping options. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 7/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
21 upvotes
Theodore Wright
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is food scene. it's exactly what I was looking for. Worth doing your research before committing.
19 upvotes
Bruce G.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 15 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the Cedar Grove side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
All Countries
