Anyone else feel this way? The median home value here is around $160,000, which is actually reasonable. With a population of 14,866, Riverdale is a small town. Homes are going for about $160,000 on average. It's a a small town city with about 14,866 people. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Should I be concerned? There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The weather takes some getting used to. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The city has invested a lot in new development. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
1 upvotes
15 Replies
Jace Adams
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in West for 10 years. Moved from Boston for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. construction 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:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. West schools are surprisingly good. 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. Limited shopping options. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 8/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
35 upvotes
Chloe Torres
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Internet is improving in most areas.
34 upvotes
Mackenzie Peterson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a nurse who relocated here from Salt Lake City about 13 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Good internet infrastructure
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are pricey, gas is tough.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. No regrets on my end..
31 upvotes
chicago_adrian
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 14 years. Moved from Miami for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. marketing 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:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is decent - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. East schools are decent. 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. Property taxes are high. Homeless population growing downtown. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 8/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
28 upvotes
Elizabeth Carter
wish I knew this sooner
26 upvotes
Bella
We moved here with our family and it's exactly what I was looking for. Schools in South area are solid. Kids love it here.
24 upvotes
Peyton Phillips
facts
15 upvotes
Axel Ward
Used to live on the Highland side, now on the Lakewood side. Completely different vibe. I genuinely enjoy living here.
13 upvotes
Mason S.
bump
12 upvotes
Oliver Gomez
same here
10 upvotes
Henry Reed
Totally agree!
9 upvotes
Peyton Cruz
couldn't agree more
8 upvotes
Mateo Ward
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 25, moved here 3 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in Westside and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Close to major attractions
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited shopping options
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The public transit situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for retirees. improving vibes, walkable.
- North: 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 Charlotte, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $80K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific 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.
8 upvotes
Logan Phillips
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 14 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The North side vs the Riverside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
7 upvotes
Andrew James
I've been living here for 12 years and I'd say it's been a really good experience overall. The traffic is average compared to other places I've lived. Overall Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
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