Longtime lurker here, You can expect to pay around $1,703 for rent here. It's a a smaller city city with about 38,659 people. Average temperature is around 51--F, so expect cold winters. The unemployment rate is 3.9%, which is pretty low. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Am I wrong here? There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
21 upvotes
11 Replies
Ava Williams
preach
36 upvotes
Cameron
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 6 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up a bit 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:**
government is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - 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 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. Can feel isolated. Bugs and humidity in summer. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 9/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
34 upvotes
emma_native
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 46, moved here 13 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Eastside and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Can feel isolated
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The nightlife situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for retirees. tough vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 San Diego, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $80K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
34 upvotes
Zoey Jackson
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it was the best decision I ever made. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
32 upvotes
Aiden Gray
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Compared to New York it's average.
30 upvotes
Mia Cook
We moved here with our family and I love the pace of life here. Schools in Cedar Grove area are solid. Kids love it here.
17 upvotes
living_josiah71
Public transit is average here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I genuinely enjoy living here.
16 upvotes
Leah Adams
Bought a house here in 2019 and it's been a really good experience overall. Property values have gone about the same since then.
10 upvotes
Alexis D.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 3 years ago from Minneapolis and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Pine Hills. It's decent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 17 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like farm-to-table.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
9 upvotes
Kathleen C.
I've been living here for 7 years and I'd say there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The community vibe is improving compared to other places I've lived. Overall Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
3 upvotes
Jace Wright
I've lived in West for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from LA, I was surprised by food scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The community vibe scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for couples. Hope this helps!.
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