Anyone else feel this way? Born and raised here. Homes are going for about $129,200 on average. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. What neighborhoods would you suggest? It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
1 upvotes
6 Replies
Roy C.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Salt Lake City about 2 years ago. The main reasons were family and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good healthcare facilities
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are established, gas is decent.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
27 upvotes
Angel Sanders
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 11 years. Moved from Seattle for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. 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 pretty 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Not very walkable outside downtown. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 8/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
21 upvotes
Peter R.
Moved here from Phoenix about 6 years ago. I genuinely enjoy living here. Still getting used to walkability but Definitely worth checking out..
18 upvotes
Sophia C.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 57, moved here 3 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in The Heights and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Rising rent and home prices
3. The school system situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for singles. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 Tampa, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
14 upvotes
Anna Reyes
Weather-wise, the summers are tough and winters are developing. You get used to it after the first year.
9 upvotes
jackson_local
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 13 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Midtown side vs the Springfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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