Random thought, It's a a small town city with about 8,771 people. Household incomes average around $97,500 in Redlands. You can expect to pay around $1,546 for rent here. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The suburbs are where most families end up. The city has invested a lot in new development. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Let me know your thoughts. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
1 upvotes
13 Replies
Nathan O.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 31, moved here 12 years ago from New York. I've lived in Riverside and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Urban sprawl is real
3. The pet-friendliness situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for young professionals. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 New York, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $70K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
39 upvotes
Melanie Sanders
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I have mixed feelings honestly. Internet is challenging in most areas.
38 upvotes
Ellie Perez
We moved here with our family and it's not perfect but it works for me. Schools in Midtown area are decent. Kids love it here.
34 upvotes
Jameson R.
I'm a lawyer and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The community is pretty good and there's always something going on.
33 upvotes
Clara Hill
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value food scene, you'll love it. The public transit is genuinely excellent and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Meadowbrook) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from LA, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Road conditions need improvement.
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.
27 upvotes
Savannah Morales
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Fairview for 13 years. Moved from Austin for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is decent - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Fairview schools are pretty good. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Winters are long and cold. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
26 upvotes
Michael Allen
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 1 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is cultural scene. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Eastside side vs the Fairview side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
18 upvotes
Colton
Bought a house here in 2016 and the quality of life is solid. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
17 upvotes
Reagan M.
Weather-wise, the summers are challenging and winters are reasonable. You get used to it after the first year.
16 upvotes
Claire Williams
My experience has been mostly positive. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The only thing I'd watch out for is walkability. Other than that, Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
15 upvotes
Declan Patel
preach
13 upvotes
Wesley Rogers
big facts right here
9 upvotes
Natalie Clark
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's been a really good experience overall. Happy to answer more specific questions..
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