Hi all, Military spouse here. Homes are going for about $508,400 on average. Median household income is $125,753, which feels pretty solid for the area. Poverty rate is 7.5%, which is pretty low. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The city has invested a lot in new development. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The weather takes some getting used to. The weather takes some getting used to. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Property taxes are high but you get good services. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
17 upvotes
18 Replies
Easton Wilson
Can confirm, been here 13 years.
38 upvotes
Xavier Jackson
As someone who grew up here, I'm still on the fence after all this time. A lot has changed in the past few years though. pet-friendliness used to be much pricey but now it's average.
38 upvotes
Scarlett Brooks
100%
30 upvotes
Thomas Murphy
As someone who grew up here, it was the best decision I ever made. A lot has changed in the past few years though. public transit used to be much manageable but now it's better than expected.
28 upvotes
Benjamin Turner
We moved here with our family and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Schools in Meadowbrook area are hit or miss. Kids love it here.
22 upvotes
Bennett
following this thread
20 upvotes
Weston Walker
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Midtown for 6 years. Moved from Portland for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is tough - 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. Midtown 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. Property taxes are high. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 7/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
19 upvotes
Eleanor G.
I work in finance here and it was the best decision I ever made. The job market for my field is average. No regrets on my end..
19 upvotes
Ryan Cox
I work in real estate here and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The job market for my field is hit or miss. No regrets on my end..
17 upvotes
Joshua Ortiz
I'm a lawyer and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. The community is average and there's always something going on.
12 upvotes
Olivia Johnson
thanks for sharing
11 upvotes
atlheart2021
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 12 years. Moved from Tampa for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2018 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. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. legal 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:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have national forests 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. Limited high-paying job options. Limited shopping options. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 8/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
11 upvotes
Emma
Bought a house here in 2021 and I genuinely enjoy living here. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
10 upvotes
local_lucas59
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. it was the best decision I ever made. Compared to Miami it's excellent.
9 upvotes
Aubrey Morales
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value housing market, you'll love it. The pet-friendliness is genuinely pretty good and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Old Town) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Boston, be prepared for the culture shock. job market is completely different here. And Not very walkable outside downtown.
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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