Hey, Average temperature is around 54--F, so expect cold winters. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
13 upvotes
10 Replies
Alexa Cruz
as a local I can confirm
40 upvotes
cool_leonardo90
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 33, moved here 12 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in East and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The outdoor recreation situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for singles. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 Atlanta, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
30 upvotes
Santiago B.
I've lived in Riverside for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from San Francisco, I was surprised by safety. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good internet infrastructure
- The dating scene scene is solid
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for singles. Happy to answer more specific questions..
29 upvotes
Avery C.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from Minneapolis about 12 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Lots of new development happening
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are stable, gas is better than expected.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
26 upvotes
Aubrey
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 9 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Lakewood side vs the Fairview side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
26 upvotes
Jacqueline C.
I work in consulting here and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The job market for my field is tough. Happy to answer more specific questions..
23 upvotes
Nathan Nguyen
couldn't agree more
19 upvotes
Addison Brooks
Weather-wise, the summers are average and winters are established. You get used to it after the first year.
15 upvotes
eva_native
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is healthcare. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Worth doing your research before committing.