Alright, Just moved here 15 months ago and With a population of 14,866, Riverdale is a small town. Poverty rate is 7.4%, which is pretty low. The suburbs are where most families end up. Should I be concerned? The suburbs are where most families end up. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
8 upvotes
3 Replies
Alexander Nelson
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 Miami. I've lived in Greenfield and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Homeless population growing downtown
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The weather situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for families. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 Miami, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $80K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
40 upvotes
sacramento_greyson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from LA about 1 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Four distinct seasons
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are affordable, gas is improving.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Hope this helps!.