Random thought, Born and raised here. The unemployment rate is 4.5%, which is about average.
1 upvotes
6 Replies
raised_gabriella7
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Chicago about 2 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Decent public transit for the size
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are affordable, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Feel free to reach out with questions..
32 upvotes
Jose R.
100%
20 upvotes
Adeline Lewis
following this thread
16 upvotes
Paisley F.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 10 years. Moved from San Francisco for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2016 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. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. hospitality 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'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Riverside 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. Limited public transit options. Winters are long and cold. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 9/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.