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Autumn White
moving
Moving to Ridgefield Park with kids -good idea?
OK so The median home value here is around $459,400, which is pretty steep. Has anyone dealt with this?
0 upvotes
13 Replies
mountain_liam32
following this thread
38 upvotes
James L.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 4 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is challenging - 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. Limited high-paying job options. Road conditions need improvement. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Riverside for 4 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is challenging - 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. Limited high-paying job options. Road conditions need improvement. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
34 upvotes
Evelyn Ramirez
Hot take but it exceeded my expectations. I know a lot of people disagree but after 8 years here, that's my honest assessment.
34 upvotes
Aiden Gomez
I'm a accountant and I've found I love the pace of life here. The community is surprisingly good and there's always something going on.
30 upvotes
Landon Wright
+1
30 upvotes
Gabriella Wilson
Weather-wise, the summers are tough and winters are established. You get used to it after the first year.
18 upvotes
Michael C.
Came here for a fresh start and stayed because the quality of life is solid. The outdoor recreation is honestly solid and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
18 upvotes
Theodore
I work in tech here and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The job market for my field is average. Good luck with whatever you decide..
10 upvotes
Josiah M.
Used to live on the Sunset side, now on the Maple Ridge side. Completely different vibe. the quality of life is solid.
6 upvotes
Hazel H.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 12 years ago from San Diego and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Pine Hills. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 17 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like Korean.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Pine Hills. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 17 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like Korean.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
4 upvotes
Addison P.
100%
1 upvotes
Bryan J.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Phoenix about 10 years ago. The main reasons were school and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Active local events and festivals
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Property taxes are high
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are manageable, gas is excellent.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Happy to answer more specific questions..
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Phoenix about 10 years ago. The main reasons were school and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Active local events and festivals
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Property taxes are high
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are manageable, gas is excellent.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Happy to answer more specific questions..
0 upvotes
chicagorunner2024
The food scene here is surprisingly good. Tons of great Vietnamese places. it's not perfect but it works for me.
0 upvotes