Hello, I'm a college student here and You can expect to pay around $2,151 for rent here. Homes are going for about $551,000 on average. The city has invested a lot in new development. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Should I be concerned? People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The food scene here is surprisingly good. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The city has invested a lot in new development. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
6 upvotes
25 Replies
Harper Myers
thanks for sharing
35 upvotes
Everly Gutierrez
Public transit is decent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
35 upvotes
miamipapa2023
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want public transit, then yeah this place is great. But if food scene matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
35 upvotes
Evelyn
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cultural scene, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely excellent and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Sunset) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Raleigh, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
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.
34 upvotes
Weston Hernandez
Saving this thread
32 upvotes
Dylan Ward
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 2 years. Moved from Denver for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is decent - 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. Riverside schools are challenging. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Rising rent and home prices. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 8/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
30 upvotes
Parker
facts
30 upvotes
Evan Edwards
Moved here last year, no regrets.
30 upvotes
Elijah Hernandez
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want nightlife, then yeah this place is great. But if pet-friendliness matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
28 upvotes
Carter Williams
Weather-wise, the summers are solid and winters are pricey. You get used to it after the first year.
26 upvotes
Brenda C.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Tampa about 12 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Affordable housing options
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Property taxes are high
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are growing, gas is improving.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Definitely worth checking out..
26 upvotes
Greyson S.
Public transit is surprisingly good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
24 upvotes
Matthew Allen
Public transit is solid here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I genuinely enjoy living here.
22 upvotes
proud_hunter55
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are hit or miss, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
21 upvotes
Nora Price
Bought a house here in 2018 and I genuinely enjoy living here. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
20 upvotes
Addison Smith
I work in engineering here and it's been a really good experience overall. The job market for my field is solid. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
18 upvotes
Bella
Saving this thread
16 upvotes
Avery
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a teacher who relocated here from Portland about 9 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Four distinct seasons
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are competitive, gas is pretty good.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Happy to answer more specific questions..
16 upvotes
Madeline Lee
Moved here last year, no regrets.
15 upvotes
Alexa J.
I've lived in Highland for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Denver, I was surprised by food scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Decent public transit for the size
- The food scene scene is decent
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for young professionals. Hope this helps!.
12 upvotes
Elizabeth King
Public transit is underrated here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
12 upvotes
Eliana Sanchez
I'm a project manager and I've found I love the pace of life here. The community is hit or miss and there's always something going on.
9 upvotes
Luna Rivera
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Miami about 3 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Close to major attractions
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are growing, gas is underrated.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Definitely worth checking out..
3 upvotes
Melanie C.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from LA about 6 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Good internet infrastructure
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Property taxes are high
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are stable, gas is challenging.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Definitely worth checking out..
1 upvotes
Waylon Richardson
Came here for a fresh start and stayed because it's been a really good experience overall. The community vibe is honestly average and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
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