Been meaning to ask this. I've been here for 15 years and Household incomes average around $78,078 in River Falls. Poverty rate is 4.0%, which is pretty low. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. What do you all think? Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The city has invested a lot in new development. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
6 upvotes
5 Replies
Mia C.
We moved here with our family and the quality of life is solid. Schools in Riverside area are surprisingly good. Kids love it here.
36 upvotes
Ruby Morales
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 46, moved here 6 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Uptown and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Can feel isolated
3. The healthcare situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for retirees. decent vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 Seattle, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $40K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
23 upvotes
Peyton Chavez
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 6 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 2-bed in Oak Park. It's decent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in construction. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 15 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: better than expected. Tons of options if you like Thai.
Hope this helps!.
16 upvotes
Melanie A.
Used to live on the South side, now on the Lakewood side. Completely different vibe. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
14 upvotes
Lauren R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 51, moved here 8 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in North and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Can feel isolated
3. The pet-friendliness situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for young professionals. average vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 Dallas, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
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