First post here. I'm single, late 40s, and Homes are going for about $215,200 on average. Rent is about $1,349/month for a decent place. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. What would you do? The weather takes some getting used to. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
0 upvotes
7 Replies
lake_kai91
interesting, hadn't considered that
39 upvotes
Joseph Sanchez
seconding this
37 upvotes
Joshua P.
Weather-wise, the summers are underrated and winters are affordable. You get used to it after the first year.
36 upvotes
David R.
I've lived in Riverside for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Nashville, I was surprised by food scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good schools in most areas
- The healthcare scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Limited high-paying job options
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for couples. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
24 upvotes
Harold R.
My experience has been mostly positive. I'm still on the fence after all this time. The only thing I'd watch out for is cost of living. Other than that, Would recommend to anyone considering it..
20 upvotes
Austin Gonzalez
I've lived in Old Town for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Baltimore, I was surprised by community vibe. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Strong sense of community
- The traffic scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for singles. Good luck with whatever you decide..
13 upvotes
Mackenzie Watson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 49, moved here 2 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Springfield and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The safety situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for remote workers. average vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 Phoenix, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $50K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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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