OK so We're a young couple and Average temperature is around 64--F, so the weather is moderate. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The suburbs are where most families end up. Let me know your thoughts. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
15 upvotes
6 Replies
Connor H.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 10 years ago from Pittsburgh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in East. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in engineering. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 17 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like Vietnamese.
Hope this helps!.
25 upvotes
Adeline
accurate
22 upvotes
everett_lover
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value food scene, you'll love it. The cultural scene is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (South) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Dallas, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare is completely different here. And Dating scene is rough.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
7 upvotes
Mark 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 5 years. Moved from LA for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up significantly 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:**
legal is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is average - we have hiking 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 underrated. 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. Homeless population growing downtown. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
3 upvotes
Serenity White
Weather-wise, the summers are underrated and winters are affordable. You get used to it after the first year.