The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. What are your go-to spots? Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
58 upvotes
19 Replies
Claire
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. the quality of life is solid. Internet is excellent in most areas.
37 upvotes
Gabriella Kim
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Charlotte about 10 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good schools in most areas
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Rising rent and home prices
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are reasonable, gas is average.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
35 upvotes
Delilah Cruz
We moved here with our family and I have mixed feelings honestly. Schools in Oak Park area are improving. Kids love it here.
35 upvotes
Leonardo Long
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Austin about 12 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Strong job market in several industries
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are developing, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Hope this helps!.
28 upvotes
Harold M.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 3 years ago from Raleigh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Cedar Grove. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in government. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 12 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like seafood.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
27 upvotes
Jack Wright
Public transit is underrated here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I have mixed feelings honestly.
27 upvotes
Parker C.
it depends on the neighborhood
23 upvotes
Reagan
Can confirm, been here 10 years.
22 upvotes
Eli Baker
Moved here from Boston about 15 years ago. it's been a really good experience overall. Still getting used to public transit but Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
21 upvotes
Waylon James
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are excellent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
18 upvotes
Lucy M.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. the quality of life is solid. Compared to Houston it's solid.
14 upvotes
Victoria
facts
13 upvotes
Isabelle Edwards
I've lived in Riverside for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Raleigh, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Decent public transit for the size
- The pet-friendliness scene is decent
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for young professionals. Feel free to reach out with questions..
13 upvotes
Bella Gonzalez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value dating scene, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely decent and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Lakewood) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Francisco, be prepared for the culture shock. job market is completely different here. And Limited high-paying job options.
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.
11 upvotes
Landon
I'm a software engineer and I've found it exceeded my expectations. The community is decent and there's always something going on.
9 upvotes
Hudson King
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 5 years ago from LA and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Cedar Grove. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in education. If you're in education you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 16 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
7 upvotes
Joseph G.
Public transit is solid here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I have mixed feelings honestly.
4 upvotes
Owen A.
bump
1 upvotes
Natalie Sanders
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from New York about 12 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Active local events and festivals
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are established, gas is average.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Definitely worth checking out..
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