I'm retired and You can expect to pay around $1,826 for rent here. The median home value here is around $543,900, which is pretty steep. Homes are going for about $543,900 on average. Crime rate is something to consider -Riverton sits at 77.9 per 100K. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The weather takes some getting used to. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Anyone in a similar situation? Appreciate any input. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The suburbs are where most families end up. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The city has invested a lot in new development. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The suburbs are where most families end up. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The food scene here is surprisingly good. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
28 upvotes
11 Replies
Melanie Hill
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 34, moved here 5 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in West and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The cultural scene situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for couples. tough 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 Tampa, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$110K 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.
40 upvotes
Joshua C.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 1 years ago from Tampa and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Meadowbrook. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in government. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 13 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: better than expected. Tons of options if you like sushi.
Hope this helps!.
34 upvotes
Brenda K.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 38, moved here 1 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Riverside and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The traffic situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for singles. underrated vibes, walkable.
- East: 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 Tampa, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$80K 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.
33 upvotes
Benjamin Rodriguez
hmm interesting perspective
32 upvotes
Kayla P.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 7 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Cedar Grove side vs the Fairview side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
22 upvotes
Patricia S.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Austin about 14 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Four distinct seasons
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Limited shopping options
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are manageable, gas is decent.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. No regrets on my end..
15 upvotes
Cooper Gutierrez
We moved here with our family and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Schools in Downtown area are tough. Kids love it here.
13 upvotes
Avery Martinez
I've lived in Oak Park for about 10 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from San Francisco, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- The nightlife scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for couples. Definitely worth checking out..
7 upvotes
Waylon Rogers
This.
4 upvotes
Parker C.
Weather-wise, the summers are surprisingly good and winters are affordable. You get used to it after the first year.
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