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Riley R.
best-worst
Top 5 things I love about Rio Rico
Alright, Poverty rate is 16.6%, which is higher than I expected. The suburbs are where most families end up. What would you do?
4 upvotes
14 Replies
Austin Torres
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 58, moved here 15 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Lakewood and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Limited shopping options
3. The public transit situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for singles. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 Portland, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $90K-$90K 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.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 58, moved here 15 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Lakewood and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Limited shopping options
3. The public transit situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for singles. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 Portland, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $90K-$90K 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.
38 upvotes
Amelia M.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 4 years. Moved from Houston for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Highland schools are tough. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Can feel isolated. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 9/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Highland for 4 years. Moved from Houston for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Highland schools are tough. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Can feel isolated. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 9/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
36 upvotes
Brooks Jimenez
We moved here with our family and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Schools in Eastside area are surprisingly good. Kids love it here.
33 upvotes
Isla
thanks for sharing
31 upvotes
Nathan Anderson
I'm a writer and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. The community is tough and there's always something going on.
30 upvotes
Emmett W.
as a local I can confirm
27 upvotes
Weston Hernandez
Moved here from Austin about 9 years ago. it's been a really good experience overall. Still getting used to community vibe but Definitely worth checking out..
26 upvotes
oaklandlocal2026
Moved here from Seattle about 5 years ago. I have mixed feelings honestly. Still getting used to housing market but Feel free to reach out with questions..
25 upvotes
Jordan Hughes
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cost of living, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely excellent and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Old Town) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Atlanta, be prepared for the culture shock. nightlife is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
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.
If you value cost of living, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely excellent and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Old Town) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Atlanta, be prepared for the culture shock. nightlife is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
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.
23 upvotes
Santiago Bailey
been saying this for years
21 upvotes
Austin A.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 10 years ago from Nashville and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Greenfield. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in education you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 16 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like Thai.
Hope this helps!.
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Greenfield. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in education you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 16 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like Thai.
Hope this helps!.
14 upvotes
Ezra M.
preach
11 upvotes
Quinn Diaz
Hot take but the quality of life is solid. I know a lot of people disagree but after 10 years here, that's my honest assessment.
11 upvotes
Brielle Peterson
The food scene here is surprisingly good. Tons of great Mediterranean places. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
8 upvotes