Median household income is $77,939, which feels about average for the area. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Has anyone dealt with this? It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
6 upvotes
12 Replies
la_joshua
great question, following
37 upvotes
Ruby N.
I've been living here for 10 years and I'd say there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The community vibe is average compared to other places I've lived. Overall No regrets on my end..
35 upvotes
orlando_gabriella
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 3 years. Moved from Raleigh for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is improving - 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 hit or miss. 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. Winters are long and cold. Bugs and humidity in summer. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
31 upvotes
Maya Watson
I work in retail here and I have mixed feelings honestly. The job market for my field is decent. Definitely worth checking out..
27 upvotes
Sophia H.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 57, moved here 8 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in North and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The healthcare situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for singles. average vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 Raleigh, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
22 upvotes
Benjamin Campbell
as a local I can confirm
20 upvotes
Jack C.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 13 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. consulting 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's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Lakewood schools are hit or miss. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Homeless population growing downtown. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
18 upvotes
Theodore Castillo
This.
15 upvotes
Jerry M.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's not perfect but it works for me. Internet is excellent in most areas.
13 upvotes
brooks_girl
big facts right here
11 upvotes
Ellie
I've lived in Riverside for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from LA, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Active local events and festivals
- The safety scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for remote workers. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
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