Anyone else feel this way? The city has invested a lot in new development. Anyone in a similar situation?
13 upvotes
5 Replies
Mason C.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 45, moved here 9 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Old Town and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited entertainment options
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The cost of living situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for young professionals. improving vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$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.
26 upvotes
Lucas Moore
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 7 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Downtown side vs the Midtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
9 upvotes
mackenzie_life
interesting, hadn't considered that
9 upvotes
Sadie Clark
I've lived in Riverside for about 11 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 San Francisco, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Active local events and festivals
- The food scene scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for couples. Hope this helps!.
7 upvotes
Autumn Torres
Weather-wise, the summers are underrated and winters are manageable. You get used to it after the first year.