Curious what people think. I relocated for work and It's a a smaller city city with about 58,041 people. The weather takes some getting used to. The city has invested a lot in new development. Should I be concerned?
8 upvotes
10 Replies
Eugene M.
interesting, hadn't considered that
36 upvotes
Sofia Johnson
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 3 years ago from San Francisco and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Riverside. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in legal. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 16 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like Thai.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
31 upvotes
Kai Parker
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is housing market. I have mixed feelings honestly. Worth doing your research before committing.
26 upvotes
Ruby Thomas
100%
23 upvotes
Maverick Ramos
The food scene here is solid. Tons of great Asian places. it's not perfect but it works for me.
16 upvotes
Samuel J.
Weather-wise, the summers are decent and winters are wild. You get used to it after the first year.
8 upvotes
Michael L.
Hot take but there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. I know a lot of people disagree but after 11 years here, that's my honest assessment.
5 upvotes
Evelyn Reed
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 7 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The East side vs the Downtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
4 upvotes
Jackson Allen
My experience has been mostly positive. it's improved dramatically in recent years. The only thing I'd watch out for is cost of living. Other than that, Happy to answer more specific questions..
2 upvotes
ruby_girl
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 35, moved here 8 years ago from LA. I've lived in Highland and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Limited shopping options
3. The traffic situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for couples. challenging vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 LA, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $60K-$110K 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.
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