I relocated for work and The median home value here is around $709,900, which is pretty steep. Homes are going for about $709,900 on average. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. What would you do? The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's changing fast — some good, some not so much. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's changing fast — some good, some not so much. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
50 upvotes
13 Replies
Sean H.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 33, moved here 4 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Midtown and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Affordable housing options
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Property taxes are high
3. The weather situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for retirees. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 Dallas, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
38 upvotes
Noah Edwards
Weather-wise, the summers are tough and winters are competitive. You get used to it after the first year.
37 upvotes
Gabriel Morgan
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from LA about 3 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good internet infrastructure
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are developing, gas is underrated.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
36 upvotes
Miles
I'm a contractor and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. The community is tough and there's always something going on.
28 upvotes
Everett Cruz
glad someone said it
25 upvotes
Asher Parker
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Internet is decent in most areas.
24 upvotes
Jayden Rogers
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 9 years. Moved from San Francisco for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is decent - we have ski resorts 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 improving. 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. Road conditions need improvement. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 7/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
23 upvotes
Declan Murphy
big facts right here
23 upvotes
Jonathan K.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Internet is challenging in most areas.
21 upvotes
Victoria Smith
underrated comment
21 upvotes
Jose Evans
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Pine Hills for 6 years. Moved from Denver for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up significantly 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:**
healthcare is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is average - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Pine Hills schools are excellent. 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 a lot of cultural diversity. Limited entertainment options. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 5/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
4 upvotes
Greyson Jones
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from Austin about 13 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Strong job market in several industries
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are pricey, gas is pretty good.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
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