Hey, It's a a mid-size city city with about 261K people. Average temperature is around 75°F, so it's warm year-round. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
9 upvotes
10 Replies
orlando_gabriella
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 54, moved here 6 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Greenfield and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The traffic situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for young professionals. improving vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
40 upvotes
Cora K.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 13 years. Moved from Charlotte for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is excellent - 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. Sunset schools are improving. 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. Road conditions need improvement. Limited entertainment options. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
37 upvotes
Caleb Smith
I've lived in Riverside for about 12 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 Austin, I was surprised by dating scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- The food scene scene is average
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Nightlife is limited
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for couples. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
32 upvotes
Sadie Long
hard disagree but ok
31 upvotes
oaklanddude2025
Bought a house here in 2016 and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Property values have gone about the same since then.
27 upvotes
William J.
Hot take but it was the best decision I ever made. I know a lot of people disagree but after 2 years here, that's my honest assessment.
23 upvotes
Valentina Bailey
I'm a data analyst and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. The community is underrated and there's always something going on.
11 upvotes
Everett
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 52, moved here 14 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The food scene situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for singles. excellent 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 Phoenix, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $70K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
7 upvotes
Madeline C.
Weather-wise, the summers are average and winters are reasonable. You get used to it after the first year.
4 upvotes
kaylee_lover
I've been living here for 10 years and I'd say it exceeded my expectations. The housing market is pretty good compared to other places I've lived. Overall Would recommend to anyone considering it..
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