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Gloria C.
living
The good and bad of living in Riverside
Alright, People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Has anyone dealt with this?
18 upvotes
23 Replies
Valentina W.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Oak Park for 6 years. Moved from San Diego for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is excellent - 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. Oak Park 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. Dating scene is rough. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Oak Park for 6 years. Moved from San Diego for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is excellent - 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. Oak Park 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. Dating scene is rough. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
40 upvotes
Sadie Richardson
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are decent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
37 upvotes
Leo L.
The food scene here is decent. Tons of great Mexican places. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
36 upvotes
Claire
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Springfield for 13 years. Moved from Seattle for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. consulting 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 exceeded my expectations. 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. Springfield schools are pretty 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. Limited shopping options. Limited entertainment options. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 6/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Springfield for 13 years. Moved from Seattle for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. consulting 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 exceeded my expectations. 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. Springfield schools are pretty 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. Limited shopping options. Limited entertainment options. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 6/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
34 upvotes
Ellie L.
Moved here from Salt Lake City about 4 years ago. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Still getting used to school system but Feel free to reach out with questions..
32 upvotes
Ruby Foster
glad someone said it
31 upvotes
Roman Wright
I've lived in Westside for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Chicago, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good schools in most areas
- The pet-friendliness scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for young professionals. No regrets on my end..
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Chicago, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good schools in most areas
- The pet-friendliness scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for young professionals. No regrets on my end..
28 upvotes
real_isaac91
spot on
28 upvotes
Joshua Ward
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 15 years ago from Nashville and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in East. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in finance. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 18 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like Thai.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in East. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in finance. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 18 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like Thai.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
27 upvotes
Debra M.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I have mixed feelings honestly. Internet is average in most areas.
24 upvotes
Lydia Lewis
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 8 years ago from LA and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Maple Ridge. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in education you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 3 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like Southern.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Maple Ridge. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in education you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 3 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like Southern.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
22 upvotes
Ethan S.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 10 years ago from Minneapolis and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in East. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in education you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 8 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like Thai.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in East. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in education you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 8 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like Thai.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
20 upvotes
Jordan Peterson
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 12 years ago from Charlotte and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Downtown. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in retail. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 10 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like farm-to-table.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Downtown. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in retail. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 10 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like farm-to-table.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
16 upvotes
Eleanor Garcia
spot on
13 upvotes
Ezekiel
I've lived in Downtown for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from New York, I was surprised by safety. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Decent public transit for the size
- The school system scene is decent
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for couples. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from New York, I was surprised by safety. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Decent public transit for the size
- The school system scene is decent
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for couples. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
12 upvotes
Violet Mendoza
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 48, moved here 9 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Nightlife is limited
3. The job market situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for singles. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: 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 decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $90K-$130K 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 software engineer, 48, moved here 9 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Nightlife is limited
3. The job market situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for singles. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: 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 decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $90K-$130K 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.
10 upvotes
Sophie Cooper
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 4 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is cultural scene. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the nightlife is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Highland side vs the Meadowbrook side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
I've been here 4 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is cultural scene. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the nightlife is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Highland side vs the Meadowbrook side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
8 upvotes
Aiden R.
accurate
7 upvotes
Nathan
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Portland about 4 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Active local events and festivals
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are pricey, gas is challenging.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Good luck with whatever you decide..
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Portland about 4 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Active local events and festivals
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are pricey, gas is challenging.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Good luck with whatever you decide..
6 upvotes
Carter Williams
The food scene here is average. Tons of great Asian places. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
4 upvotes
mason_kid
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 38, moved here 13 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Downtown and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The pet-friendliness situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for singles. hit or miss 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 Minneapolis, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $50K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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, 38, moved here 13 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Downtown and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The pet-friendliness situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for singles. hit or miss 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 Minneapolis, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $50K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
2 upvotes
Elijah Howard
I've been living here for 7 years and I'd say I love the pace of life here. The walkability is average compared to other places I've lived. Overall It's not for everyone but it works for us..
2 upvotes
Bennett Ramirez
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. the quality of life is solid. Internet is excellent in most areas.
1 upvotes