First post here. Average temperature is around 52--F, so expect cold winters. The median home value here is around $629,000, which is pretty steep. Homes are going for about $629,000 on average. You can expect to pay around $1,878 for rent here. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Thanks in advance! 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. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
6 upvotes
6 Replies
axel_heart
underrated comment
37 upvotes
Scarlett Martinez
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from Austin and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Uptown. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in legal. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 9 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
36 upvotes
Axel Perez
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 San Francisco for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have ski resorts 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 solid. 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 public transit options. Limited high-paying job options. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
23 upvotes
Luke Clark
Hot take but it was the best decision I ever made. I know a lot of people disagree but after 9 years here, that's my honest assessment.
21 upvotes
Josiah Young
As someone who grew up here, I love the pace of life here. A lot has changed in the past few years though. walkability used to be much manageable but now it's underrated.
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