Curious what people think. Poverty rate is 9.1%, which is pretty low. Median household income is $72,364, which feels about average for the area. Homes are going for about $407,900 on average. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
13 upvotes
4 Replies
Paisley F.
been saying this for years
40 upvotes
Gabriella
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 Minneapolis 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 about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. real estate 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:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is solid - 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. Winters are long and cold. Dating scene is rough. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 6/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
36 upvotes
Oliver Watson
hard disagree but ok
35 upvotes
Julia Jones
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value community vibe, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely better than expected and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (East) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Seattle, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare is completely different here. And Limited high-paying job options.
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.
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