Not sure if this has been asked before, but Rent is about $2,082/month for a decent place. The median home value here is around $465,600, which is pretty steep. Poverty rate is 4.1%, which is pretty low. The unemployment rate is 3.6%, which is pretty low. Homes are going for about $465,600 on average. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The weather takes some getting used to. Property taxes are high but you get good services. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The weather takes some getting used to. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The city has invested a lot in new development. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The weather takes some getting used to. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The suburbs are where most families end up.
0 upvotes
23 Replies
Elijah Jimenez
Public transit is decent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
40 upvotes
Kayden C.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 32, moved here 10 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Midtown and Cedar Grove, 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 airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The nightlife situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for young professionals. improving vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 Boston, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
40 upvotes
Tyler J.
We moved here with our family and it was the best decision I ever made. Schools in Riverside area are better than expected. Kids love it here.
39 upvotes
Ariana Hill
yep
37 upvotes
Aria Brooks
facts
35 upvotes
oakland_anna
I've been living here for 8 years and I'd say I genuinely enjoy living here. The walkability is challenging compared to other places I've lived. Overall Would recommend to anyone considering it..
32 upvotes
Wesley Richardson
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value housing market, you'll love it. The community vibe is genuinely underrated and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (West) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Houston, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
30 upvotes
Robert
We moved here with our family and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Schools in Pine Hills area are excellent. Kids love it here.
29 upvotes
Evan
Came here for family and stayed because it exceeded my expectations. The public transit is honestly excellent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
29 upvotes
Bennett Peterson
Bought a house here in 2016 and it's been a really good experience overall. Property values have gone about the same since then.
28 upvotes
Genesis Jimenez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Oak Park for 11 years. Moved from Miami for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. tech 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:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Oak Park 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. Road conditions need improvement. Far from beaches/mountains. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 6/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
27 upvotes
Mateo Ross
I've lived in North for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Seattle, I was surprised by cost of living. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Lots of new development happening
- The housing market scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for young professionals. No regrets on my end..
26 upvotes
zoe_dude
Moved here from Seattle about 15 years ago. it's been a really good experience overall. Still getting used to food scene but Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
19 upvotes
Mason J.
big facts right here
17 upvotes
Emily O.
Weather-wise, the summers are challenging and winters are established. You get used to it after the first year.
15 upvotes
Amelia Mitchell
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 9 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Meadowbrook side vs the Lakewood side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
13 upvotes
Paisley
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 34, moved here 11 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in East and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Four distinct seasons
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. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The dating scene situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for families. tough 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 Minneapolis, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$90K 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.
12 upvotes
Nova Collins
as a local I can confirm
12 upvotes
Eva Taylor
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. the quality of life is solid. Compared to Charlotte it's solid.
6 upvotes
dc_jose
I'm a HR manager and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. The community is pretty good and there's always something going on.
6 upvotes
Miles King
+1
3 upvotes
Autumn Allen
Saving this thread
0 upvotes
Kaylee 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 14 years. Moved from Atlanta for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2021 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. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is challenging - 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 pretty 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. Rising rent and home prices. Can feel isolated. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 5/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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