Anyone else feel this way? Been living here since 2005. Homes are going for about $1,091,700 on average. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Thoughts? The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The suburbs are where most families end up. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
18 upvotes
14 Replies
Gabriella Diaz
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Good luck with whatever you decide..
38 upvotes
Michael Morris
As someone who grew up here, I love the pace of life here. A lot has changed in the past few years though. public transit used to be much pricey but now it's better than expected.
36 upvotes
Henry Lopez
I've lived in Riverside for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from San Francisco, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Good healthcare facilities
- The cultural scene scene is tough
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for remote workers. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
35 upvotes
Carson Carter
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 15 years. Moved from San Diego for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is solid - 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. Lakewood 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Road conditions need improvement. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 6/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
29 upvotes
charlottechef2021
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. No regrets on my end..
29 upvotes
Hunter E.
I work in hospitality here and I love the pace of life here. The job market for my field is pretty good. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
22 upvotes
Skylar Collins
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value dating scene, you'll love it. The nightlife is genuinely challenging and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (Springfield) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from New York, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare is completely different here. And Can feel isolated.
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.
18 upvotes
Silas Richardson
yep
17 upvotes
Mia Brown
Saving this thread
13 upvotes
Bennett H.
Bought a house here in 2024 and I have mixed feelings honestly. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
13 upvotes
Levi Turner
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 2 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is community vibe. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Riverside side vs the Greenfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
11 upvotes
Adeline B.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in The Heights for 9 years. Moved from New York for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
finance 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:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is average - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. The Heights schools are hit or miss. 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. Limited public transit options. Nightlife is limited. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 7/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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