Not sure if this has been asked before, but I work in consulting and Homes are going for about $574,900 on average. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. What neighborhoods would you suggest? Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
7 upvotes
14 Replies
Maverick
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 9 years ago from Chicago and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Springfield. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in legal. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 9 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like Korean.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
37 upvotes
Bennett Edwards
seconding this
34 upvotes
Caleb Diaz
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it was the best decision I ever made. Internet is average in most areas.
31 upvotes
Maverick Gray
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it was the best decision I ever made. Good luck with whatever you decide..
30 upvotes
Adrian
I've lived in Riverside for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Boston, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Four distinct seasons
- The food scene scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for families. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
29 upvotes
Nolan P.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 10 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Sunset side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
27 upvotes
Harper Robinson
haha yep pretty much
23 upvotes
Jayden Patel
I've lived in Westside for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, 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
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The housing market scene is decent
The downsides:
- Property taxes are high
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for couples. Happy to answer more specific questions..
21 upvotes
houston_aaliyah
Bought a house here in 2019 and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
20 upvotes
Miles M.
Hot take but there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. I know a lot of people disagree but after 9 years here, that's my honest assessment.
18 upvotes
Delilah Ward
I'm a HR manager and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. The community is underrated and there's always something going on.
13 upvotes
Eleanor L.
Used to live on the Uptown side, now on the Greenfield side. Completely different vibe. I have mixed feelings honestly.
9 upvotes
Kai R.
I've lived in Riverside for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Nashville, I was surprised by community vibe. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Decent public transit for the size
- The pet-friendliness scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for remote workers. No regrets on my end..
3 upvotes
Willie B.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 26, moved here 2 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Pine Hills and Greenfield, 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The community vibe situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for remote workers. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 Francisco, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$140K 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.
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