Curious what people think. Crime rate is something to consider -Pismo Beach sits at 350.0 per 100K. Poverty rate is 6.2%, which is pretty low. The suburbs are where most families end up.
13 upvotes
13 Replies
Riley Diaz
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are pretty good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
40 upvotes
Parker Long
yeah no that's not right
36 upvotes
Angel L.
Totally agree!
35 upvotes
happy_alexa70
seconding this
35 upvotes
houstonlover2026
I've been living here for 6 years and I'd say it's exactly what I was looking for. The community vibe is solid compared to other places I've lived. Overall It's not for everyone but it works for us..
33 upvotes
Nora Roberts
I've lived in Riverside for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Atlanta, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The safety scene is tough
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for retirees. No regrets on my end..
33 upvotes
Valentina Jimenez
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Internet is improving in most areas.
31 upvotes
Jameson Patel
Hot take but it's not perfect but it works for me. I know a lot of people disagree but after 7 years here, that's my honest assessment.
23 upvotes
Mia
Saving this thread
21 upvotes
Elijah W.
We moved here with our family and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Schools in Eastside area are underrated. Kids love it here.
19 upvotes
Alexa Lopez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cost of living, you'll love it. The school system is genuinely hit or miss and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (Maple Ridge) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Boston, be prepared for the culture shock. housing market is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
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.
12 upvotes
Reagan Reyes
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Midtown for 3 years. Moved from San Diego for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. healthcare 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's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is improving - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Midtown 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. Property taxes are high. Bugs and humidity in summer. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
5 upvotes
Angel R.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 8 years ago from Houston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Pine Hills. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in finance. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 16 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like Mediterranean.
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