Alright, My partner and I are Crime rate is something to consider -Temple Terrace sits at 265.7 per 100K. Average temperature is around 74--F, so it's warm year-round. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Thanks! Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The weather takes some getting used to. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
30 upvotes
15 Replies
Kaylee Brown
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Miami about 6 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Active local events and festivals
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Dating scene is rough
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are growing, gas is improving.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
38 upvotes
Jack C.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are pretty good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
35 upvotes
Clara Nelson
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 3 years ago from Chicago and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Westside. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in legal. If you're in manufacturing you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 6 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
31 upvotes
Allison Rivera
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 34, moved here 6 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Highland and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Limited shopping options
3. The traffic situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for couples. 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 underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
30 upvotes
Hunter Brown
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 13 years ago from Baltimore and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Lakewood. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in finance. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 18 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: better than expected. Tons of options if you like Mediterranean.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
30 upvotes
Naomi
as a local I can confirm
30 upvotes
Kayla P.
lol so true
30 upvotes
Adam James
couldn't agree more
30 upvotes
Ezra Y.
The food scene here is underrated. Tons of great Korean places. it's exactly what I was looking for.
29 upvotes
Katherine W.
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.
29 upvotes
Christian Richardson
Bought a house here in 2018 and it's been a really good experience overall. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
26 upvotes
Mateo Thompson
As someone who grew up here, I genuinely enjoy living here. A lot has changed in the past few years though. outdoor recreation used to be much competitive but now it's excellent.
25 upvotes
Aurora
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 5 years. Moved from Dallas for school. 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 down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have state parks 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. Road conditions need improvement. Dating scene is rough. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 5/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
20 upvotes
Nicholas Mendoza
nah I disagree
18 upvotes
Leo Murphy
We moved here with our family and it was the best decision I ever made. Schools in Springfield area are average. Kids love it here.
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