OK so I'm a college student here and It's a a small town city with about 5,973 people. Homes are going for about $216,600 on average. Household incomes average around $60,759 in Santa Teresa. The unemployment rate is 1.9%, which is pretty low. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Am I overthinking this? Appreciate any input. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
6 upvotes
13 Replies
Noah H.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 3 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is nightlife. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Maple Ridge side vs the East side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
40 upvotes
Aiden Myers
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from Nashville about 7 years ago. The main reasons were work and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good schools in most areas
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Summers can be brutally hot
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are growing, gas is better than expected.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Hope this helps!.
37 upvotes
Ariana Watson
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Compared to Chicago it's tough.
32 upvotes
Judith M.
good to know, thanks
29 upvotes
Nora D.
Came here for my partner's job and stayed because it's exactly what I was looking for. The job market is honestly challenging and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
28 upvotes
Liam Miller
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 27, moved here 9 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Highland and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Limited shopping options
3. The food scene situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for couples. decent vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: 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 Portland, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $90K-$130K 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.
20 upvotes
Eli Howard
thanks for sharing
19 upvotes
Mateo J.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 5 years. Moved from Atlanta for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. marketing 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 average - 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 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. Nightlife is limited. Homeless population growing downtown. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, 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.
17 upvotes
Genesis Diaz
Weather-wise, the summers are tough and winters are growing. You get used to it after the first year.
10 upvotes
Jack Wright
haha yep pretty much
9 upvotes
Charlotte S.
Bought a house here in 2019 and it exceeded my expectations. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
4 upvotes
Ella Martinez
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are tough, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
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