Hello, My partner and I are Household incomes average around $109,317 in San Rafael. Median household income is $109,317, which feels pretty solid for the area. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Anyone in a similar situation? Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
6 upvotes
7 Replies
Stella D.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 4 years ago from Charlotte and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Old Town. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in real estate. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 17 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
Hope this helps!.
39 upvotes
Maya Ortiz
Moved here last year, no regrets.
34 upvotes
Nolan Torres
been saying this for years
22 upvotes
Josiah Brown
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 Austin for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have beaches 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Road conditions need improvement. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 5/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
21 upvotes
Connor
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 54, moved here 8 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Old Town and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Can feel isolated
3. The nightlife situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for couples. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: 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 Boston, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
15 upvotes
Leonardo Miller
Moved here last year, no regrets.
11 upvotes
Isabella A.
As someone who grew up here, it's not perfect but it works for me. A lot has changed in the past few years though. safety used to be much reasonable but now it's solid.
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