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Aiden S. best-worst

San Luis Obispo is underrated, change my mind

First post here. I relocated for work and Average temperature is around 60--F, so the weather is moderate. Homes are going for about $896,500 on average. Poverty rate is 6.5%, which is pretty low. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.

Pros:
- Affordable cost of living
- Nice parks and trails
- Growing food scene
- Good schools

Cons:
- Limited public transit
- Limited nightlife
- Lack of diversity
- Few job opportunities in some fields
- Poor road conditions
Has anyone dealt with this? The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The food scene here is surprisingly good. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The weather takes some getting used to. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. 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. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
3 upvotes

2 Replies

Ellie P.
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 Portland for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.

**Employment:**
retail is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.

**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is tough - 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 tough. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And housing market can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For singles, 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.
31 upvotes
Miles Ross
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.

I've been in Riverside for 14 years. Moved from Portland for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.

**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.

**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have national forests 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 average. 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 high-paying job options. Homeless population growing downtown. And food scene can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 5/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
18 upvotes
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