First post here. It's a a smaller city city with about 36,039 people. Homes are going for about $159,700 on average. Poverty rate is 16.8%, which is higher than I expected. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
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Madelyn Morales
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 Salt Lake City for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth about the same 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:**
retail is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is excellent - 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 improving. 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. Urban sprawl is real. Not very walkable outside downtown. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 8/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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