Random thought, I'm a 51-year-old police officer and Median household income is $56,734, which feels about average for the area. The median home value here is around $176,100, which is actually reasonable. Homes are going for about $176,100 on average. Average temperature is around 52--F, so expect cold winters. The city has invested a lot in new development. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Thoughts? Thanks for reading. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
14 upvotes
8 Replies
Jeremiah Gutierrez
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is safety. it exceeded my expectations. Worth doing your research before committing.
36 upvotes
Emilia Davis
I've been living here for 12 years and I'd say I'm still on the fence after all this time. The healthcare is improving compared to other places I've lived. Overall No regrets on my end..
35 upvotes
Isabella Campbell
underrated comment
31 upvotes
Harper S.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 11 years ago from Minneapolis and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Fairview. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in engineering. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 6 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like Asian.
Hope this helps!.
29 upvotes
Christopher M.
it depends on the neighborhood
28 upvotes
Ezekiel Moore
Saving this thread
25 upvotes
Caleb Edwards
it depends on the neighborhood
20 upvotes
Isaiah R.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 5 years. Moved from Houston for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have desert landscapes 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 excellent. 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. Can feel isolated. Far from beaches/mountains. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 7/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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