Hey everyone, I'm a college student here and Median household income is $123,587, which feels pretty solid for the area. The median home value here is around $519,600, which is pretty steep. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Thoughts? Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
4 upvotes
11 Replies
Adrian L.
it depends on the neighborhood
36 upvotes
Xavier Foster
Bought a house here in 2023 and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
34 upvotes
Aiden W.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 5 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the Maple Ridge side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
29 upvotes
Delilah W.
This.
25 upvotes
Jessica C.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 14 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. legal 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 national forests 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 average. 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Homeless population growing downtown. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 7/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
25 upvotes
raised_nolan58
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are excellent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
22 upvotes
Amanda J.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I have mixed feelings honestly. Internet is hit or miss in most areas.
18 upvotes
Jose Wright
it depends on the neighborhood
16 upvotes
Dylan Young
wish I knew this sooner
13 upvotes
Charlotte A.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 11 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is safety. 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 hiking, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Fairview side vs the East side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
3 upvotes
Heather P.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 6 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Highland side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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