OK so Been living here since 2009. Poverty rate is 15.9%, which is higher than I expected. Average temperature is around 46--F, so expect cold winters. You can expect to pay around $741 for rent here. Rent is about $741/month for a decent place. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Has anyone dealt with this? I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The city has invested a lot in new development.
5 upvotes
13 Replies
Adeline Baker
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 11 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good schools in most areas
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are developing, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Definitely worth checking out..
39 upvotes
Stella Howard
wish I knew this sooner
39 upvotes
Brandon R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 49, moved here 10 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Downtown and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Limited shopping options
3. The outdoor recreation situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for retirees. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$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.
35 upvotes
Zoe Lopez
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 6 years ago from Miami and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Riverside. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in legal. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 12 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like farm-to-table.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
33 upvotes
Ian Foster
Can confirm, been here 4 years.
32 upvotes
Reagan T.
following this thread
32 upvotes
Addison Walker
as a local I can confirm
27 upvotes
Angel Miller
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are challenging, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
27 upvotes
Clara Patel
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely pretty good and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Eastside) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from LA, be prepared for the culture shock. community vibe is completely different here. And Chain restaurants dominate.
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.
10 upvotes
Arianna Robinson
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 13 years ago from LA and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Downtown. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in government. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 18 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like Korean.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
10 upvotes
Matthew
I've lived in Westside for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's not perfect but it works for me. When I first moved here from Raleigh, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Good healthcare facilities
- The pet-friendliness scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for remote workers. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
10 upvotes
Logan Y.
Weather-wise, the summers are average and winters are affordable. You get used to it after the first year.
1 upvotes
Eric R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 37, moved here 14 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Riverside and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Urban sprawl is real
3. The traffic situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for couples. average vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 Chicago, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$140K 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.
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