Alright, I work in construction and It's a a small town city with about 14,213 people. Crime rate is something to consider -Sierra Vista Southeast sits at 672.7 per 100K. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
7 upvotes
15 Replies
Weston Gonzalez
Came here for my partner's job and stayed because there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The walkability is honestly solid and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
36 upvotes
Aaron Baker
good to know, thanks
33 upvotes
Naomi Morales
I've lived in Eastside for about 2 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 traffic. 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 cultural scene scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for remote workers. Feel free to reach out with questions..
33 upvotes
Jordan Moore
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want traffic, then yeah this place is great. But if walkability matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
32 upvotes
Ezra Chavez
exactly what I was thinking
31 upvotes
Autumn Wright
I've lived in Cedar Grove for about 7 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Charlotte, I was surprised by food scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Strong job market in several industries
- The community vibe scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Limited high-paying job options
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for retirees. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
30 upvotes
Isaiah Sanchez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 33, moved here 3 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Pine Hills and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The walkability situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for families. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $40K-$140K 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.
27 upvotes
Eleanor Carter
Weather-wise, the summers are better than expected and winters are growing. You get used to it after the first year.
25 upvotes
Dominic Harris
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, the quality of life is solid. Good luck with whatever you decide..
9 upvotes
Lillian
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 8 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is community vibe. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the West side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
8 upvotes
Laura R.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 6 years. Moved from Portland for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have biking trails 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 better than expected. 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. Limited high-paying job options. Dating scene is rough. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 5/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
8 upvotes
Lawrence G.
honestly same experience here
4 upvotes
Axel Ross
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from New York about 11 years ago. The main reasons were school and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good schools in most areas
- Lots of new development happening
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are growing, gas is solid.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
1 upvotes
Aubrey Diaz
I'm a chef and I've found the quality of life is solid. The community is hit or miss and there's always something going on.
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