Alright, Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Does this match your experience? Any help is appreciated.
20 upvotes
12 Replies
Mateo
underrated comment
39 upvotes
sunny_sarah40
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 1 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Lakewood side vs the Westside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
38 upvotes
Harper Kim
My experience has been mostly positive. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The only thing I'd watch out for is walkability. Other than that, Would recommend to anyone considering it..
30 upvotes
Lisa W.
thanks for sharing
19 upvotes
Emma Wood
As someone who grew up here, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. A lot has changed in the past few years though. dating scene used to be much manageable but now it's hit or miss.
18 upvotes
Hudson Mitchell
Hot take but there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. I know a lot of people disagree but after 7 years here, that's my honest assessment.
17 upvotes
Ian Thompson
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 6 years ago from Phoenix 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 East. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in government. If you're in engineering you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 10 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like seafood.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
15 upvotes
Xavier Turner
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it exceeded my expectations. Internet is improving in most areas.
10 upvotes
Anna H.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 13 years. Moved from San Diego for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2020 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. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have state parks 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. Urban sprawl is real. Chain restaurants dominate. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 5/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
10 upvotes
Aria R.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is outdoor recreation. it's not perfect but it works for me. Worth doing your research before committing.
9 upvotes
Mark R.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Internet is excellent in most areas.
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