So, I'm retired and Poverty rate is 2.2%, which is pretty low. The median home value here is around $155,500, which is actually reasonable. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
12 upvotes
15 Replies
Isaiah G.
+1
39 upvotes
Nora Murphy
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 2 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Old Town side vs the Riverside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
33 upvotes
Grace Martinez
I've lived in Westside for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Houston, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good schools in most areas
- The cultural scene scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for retirees. Feel free to reach out with questions..
29 upvotes
Hazel Clark
hmm interesting perspective
21 upvotes
Eva Miller
The food scene here is improving. Tons of great craft beer places. I genuinely enjoy living here.
21 upvotes
Matthew P.
I'm a writer and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The community is surprisingly good and there's always something going on.
16 upvotes
wild_melanie97
Public transit is tough here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
16 upvotes
Jackson Morgan
I've been living here for 4 years and I'd say it's been a really good experience overall. The weather is underrated compared to other places I've lived. Overall Feel free to reach out with questions..
16 upvotes
Axel W.
Hot take but it's not perfect but it works for me. I know a lot of people disagree but after 11 years here, that's my honest assessment.
14 upvotes
Jose M.
Came here for weather and stayed because it's been a really good experience overall. The cultural scene is honestly excellent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
13 upvotes
Theodore Smith
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 3 years. Moved from Portland for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have beaches 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 tough. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Urban sprawl is real. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 5/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
12 upvotes
Ezra
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from New York about 8 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Four distinct seasons
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are wild, gas is solid.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Good luck with whatever you decide..
7 upvotes
Beverly W.
literally same
2 upvotes
Paisley Hill
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 13 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2022 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. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. tech 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 rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. South schools are underrated. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Dating scene is rough. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 9/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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