Alright, We're a young couple and Homes are going for about $740,300 on average. The suburbs are where most families end up. TIA! Property taxes are high but you get good services. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The weather takes some getting used to. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
0 upvotes
15 Replies
Kayla L.
Moved here from Chicago about 14 years ago. I have mixed feelings honestly. Still getting used to traffic but Definitely worth checking out..
33 upvotes
Samuel Campbell
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from Nashville about 15 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Affordable housing options
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are manageable, gas is excellent.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Good luck with whatever you decide..
32 upvotes
Daniel R.
hmm interesting perspective
27 upvotes
Christian Gutierrez
facts
26 upvotes
Dylan Clark
Moved here from Charlotte about 15 years ago. it's exactly what I was looking for. Still getting used to safety but Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
23 upvotes
Aria Perez
I've been living here for 11 years and I'd say I love the pace of life here. The traffic is tough compared to other places I've lived. Overall Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
23 upvotes
Hannah Young
Used to live on the Uptown side, now on the Lakewood side. Completely different vibe. it's been a really good experience overall.
21 upvotes
Logan Jones
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 7 years. Moved from Atlanta for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2019 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:**
real estate is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. 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 excellent. 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Can feel isolated. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, 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
Michael Morgan
this is the way
15 upvotes
Jack Anderson
wish I knew this sooner
11 upvotes
Sarah Patel
Moved here last year, no regrets.
8 upvotes
Lucy Edwards
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is food scene. I have mixed feelings honestly. Worth doing your research before committing.
8 upvotes
Sarah R.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 3 years ago from Atlanta and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in South. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in consulting. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 15 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like Indian.
Definitely worth checking out..
5 upvotes
Benjamin Anderson
100%
5 upvotes
Alexa F.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from Denver about 1 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good healthcare facilities
- Decent public transit for the size
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are competitive, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Feel free to reach out with questions..