Random thought, I grew up here but left for a while. You can expect to pay around $697 for rent here. The median home value here is around $421,900, which is pretty steep. Average temperature is around 40--F, so bundle up in winter. Rent is about $697/month for a decent place. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. What do you all think? There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The weather takes some getting used to.
0 upvotes
6 Replies
Avery Jones
Hot take but it was the best decision I ever made. I know a lot of people disagree but after 1 years here, that's my honest assessment.
36 upvotes
Eli H.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 41, moved here 7 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Sunset and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Low crime in most neighborhoods
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The pet-friendliness situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for families. solid vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
25 upvotes
happy_zoey99
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 13 years. Moved from Atlanta for my partner's job. 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 2-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is decent - we have desert landscapes 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Urban sprawl is real. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 8/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
19 upvotes
Emily Gutierrez
yeah no that's not right
12 upvotes
Aubrey Phillips
lol so true
7 upvotes
sacramentoguy2023
I've been living here for 11 years and I'd say the quality of life is solid. The school system is solid compared to other places I've lived. Overall Hope this helps!.
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