Random thought, Been living here since 2022. It's a a small town city with about 14,205 people. Average temperature is around 60--F, so the weather is moderate. The unemployment rate is 4.5%, which is about average. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. What are your go-to spots? Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
2 upvotes
14 Replies
Mackenzie Castillo
Hot take but I have mixed feelings honestly. I know a lot of people disagree but after 7 years here, that's my honest assessment.
40 upvotes
Brenda K.
Saving this thread
39 upvotes
savannah_mind
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 54, moved here 3 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Riverside and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The community vibe situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for remote workers. solid 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 hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $70K-$130K 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.
35 upvotes
Lily W.
Weather-wise, the summers are challenging and winters are wild. You get used to it after the first year.
29 upvotes
Carter Nguyen
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 5 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Pine Hills side vs the Westside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
25 upvotes
Skylar Long
We moved here with our family and the quality of life is solid. Schools in Eastside area are decent. Kids love it here.
24 upvotes
Luna Kelly
facts
21 upvotes
Maverick Lopez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 8 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Highland side vs the Fairview side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
17 upvotes
Clara Edwards
I've lived in Sunset for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from Chicago, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Strong sense of community
- The dating scene scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for families. Happy to answer more specific questions..
15 upvotes
Stephen M.
I'm a pharmacist and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. The community is challenging and there's always something going on.
10 upvotes
sunny_zoey4
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 36, moved here 2 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in Riverside and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Affordable housing options
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The nightlife situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for retirees. decent 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 Atlanta, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $90K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
6 upvotes
Asher Mendoza
Came here for cost of living and stayed because there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The school system is honestly underrated and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
6 upvotes
Skylar Williams
I'm a nurse and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. The community is improving and there's always something going on.
2 upvotes
Jack T.
We moved here with our family and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Schools in Maple Ridge area are solid. Kids love it here.
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