Hey, We have two kids and The unemployment rate is 0.8%, which is pretty low. With a population of 5,085, Ridge Wood Heights is a small town. Poverty rate is 2.6%, which is pretty low. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
9 upvotes
3 Replies
Gloria C.
As someone who grew up here, the quality of life is solid. A lot has changed in the past few years though. weather used to be much wild but now it's challenging.
25 upvotes
Jack Castillo
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 30, moved here 7 years ago from Denver. I've lived in The Heights and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Close to major attractions
2. Diverse dining options
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The cost of living situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for couples. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 Denver, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
15 upvotes
Jonathan
I've lived in Riverside for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Seattle, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Diverse dining options
- The nightlife scene is solid
The downsides:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for retirees. Happy to answer more specific questions..
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