Hello, I'm retired and You can expect to pay around $1,623 for rent here. Average temperature is around 75°F, so it's warm year-round. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
21 upvotes
12 Replies
Alexa C.
this is the way
36 upvotes
Carter Richardson
Weather-wise, the summers are surprisingly good and winters are stable. You get used to it after the first year.
30 upvotes
Serenity E.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Compared to Minneapolis it's challenging.
28 upvotes
Hunter G.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. I genuinely enjoy living here. Compared to San Francisco it's underrated.
28 upvotes
Stella
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from San Francisco about 11 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Strong job market in several industries
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are growing, gas is tough.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
26 upvotes
Austin
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 Portland for quality of life. 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 up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. education 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 challenging - we have rivers 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 surprisingly good. 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. Can feel isolated. Homeless population growing downtown. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 8/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
23 upvotes
Delilah R.
We moved here with our family and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Schools in Riverside area are solid. Kids love it here.
23 upvotes
Madeline Wood
Moved here from New York about 15 years ago. I love the pace of life here. Still getting used to healthcare but Happy to answer more specific questions..
21 upvotes
Jose Thomas
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 25, moved here 1 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Old Town and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Rising rent and home prices
3. The safety situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for remote workers. underrated vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 Dallas, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is affordable. 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.
13 upvotes
oaklandgirl2022
noted, appreciate it
12 upvotes
Mason D.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. the quality of life is solid. Internet is solid in most areas.
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