I'm a teacher here and The unemployment rate is 2.9%, which is pretty low. Homes are going for about $229,100 on average. Rent is about $924/month for a decent place. The city has invested a lot in new development. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The city has invested a lot in new development. 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. The city has invested a lot in new development. The suburbs are where most families end up. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The food scene here is surprisingly good. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The suburbs are where most families end up. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
14 upvotes
5 Replies
Melanie M.
This.
37 upvotes
Skylar Hall
I've lived in Riverside for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Phoenix, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The traffic scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for couples. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
20 upvotes
lake_lucas63
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's exactly what I was looking for. Internet is tough in most areas.
16 upvotes
Carter Wilson
My experience has been mostly positive. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The only thing I'd watch out for is outdoor recreation. Other than that, Happy to answer more specific questions..
8 upvotes
Samantha G.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 24, moved here 5 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in Springfield and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The food scene situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for remote workers. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 Atlanta, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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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