First post here. My family moved here when I was a kid. Rent is about $822/month for a decent place. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Let me know your thoughts. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
6 upvotes
5 Replies
Clara Nelson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 36, moved here 7 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Oak Park and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Friendly community, easy to meet people
3. Growing food and restaurant scene
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Limited shopping options
3. The outdoor recreation situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for young professionals. improving 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 Portland, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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
David Martin
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 39, moved here 1 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The job market situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for singles. average vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: 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 Miami, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $40K-$100K 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.
35 upvotes
sdmama2020
I've lived in Riverside for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from Atlanta, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Decent public transit for the size
- The housing market scene is tough
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for young professionals. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
25 upvotes
Jayden Gutierrez
I've lived in Meadowbrook for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from San Francisco, I was surprised by safety. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- The healthcare scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Rising rent and home prices
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for retirees. Feel free to reach out with questions..
10 upvotes
cool_lucy29
Hot take but there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. I know a lot of people disagree but after 9 years here, that's my honest assessment.
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