Hey everyone, Average temperature is around 56--F, so the weather is moderate. It's a a smaller city city with about 28,177 people. Household incomes average around $132,194 in Short Pump. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The weather takes some getting used to. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. What do you all think? Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
11 upvotes
12 Replies
Isaiah Gonzalez
I work in construction here and it's been a really good experience overall. The job market for my field is underrated. Good luck with whatever you decide..
38 upvotes
Eva Parker
as a local I can confirm
34 upvotes
Weston J.
As someone who grew up here, it's been a really good experience overall. A lot has changed in the past few years though. healthcare used to be much stable but now it's pretty good.
33 upvotes
Everett R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 43, moved here 8 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in East and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The traffic situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for families. tough vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 San Francisco, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $80K-$130K 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.
31 upvotes
Jameson Nelson
Can confirm, been here 3 years.
26 upvotes
Weston J.
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. job market used to be much manageable but now it's surprisingly good.
25 upvotes
Allison W.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Charlotte about 14 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Active local events and festivals
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are competitive, gas is challenging.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Good luck with whatever you decide..
21 upvotes
Hazel Green
interesting, hadn't considered that
19 upvotes
proud_christian22
Came here for my partner's job and stayed because I have mixed feelings honestly. The pet-friendliness is honestly solid and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
19 upvotes
Ethan F.
Used to live on the Sunset side, now on the Cedar Grove side. Completely different vibe. it's not perfect but it works for me.
11 upvotes
Kaylee Cruz
thanks for sharing
5 upvotes
Christian Hughes
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 10 years. Moved from LA for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have beaches 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 decent. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Dating scene is rough. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 5/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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