Hey, My family moved here when I was a kid. The median home value here is around $356,600, which seems about average. Median household income is $65,493, which feels about average for the area. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The city has invested a lot in new development. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
17 upvotes
20 Replies
Zoe Brown
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely improving and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (Pine Hills) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Minneapolis, be prepared for the culture shock. food scene is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
40 upvotes
Cameron Bennett
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from Boston about 13 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Strong job market in several industries
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Rising rent and home prices
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are wild, gas is average.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Feel free to reach out with questions..
37 upvotes
Noah J.
great question, following
35 upvotes
Nora Nguyen
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are tough, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
31 upvotes
Michael K.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 15 years ago from Denver and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Maple Ridge. It's decent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in engineering. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 8 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like Mexican.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
26 upvotes
Maverick
thanks for sharing
24 upvotes
Bella Nguyen
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 58, moved here 5 years ago from Miami. I've lived in North and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Friendly community, easy to meet people
3. Nice parks and green spaces
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The public transit situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for singles. decent vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 Miami, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
24 upvotes
Zoey Ruiz
Hot take but I love the pace of life here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 15 years here, that's my honest assessment.
18 upvotes
Jace M.
Came here for my partner's job and stayed because the quality of life is solid. The outdoor recreation is honestly improving and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
15 upvotes
Easton Allen
Saving this thread
13 upvotes
born_emily79
Weather-wise, the summers are pretty good and winters are competitive. You get used to it after the first year.
13 upvotes
Emma Cooper
I work in government here and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The job market for my field is pretty good. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
13 upvotes
Eliana Carter
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is walkability. I love the pace of life here. Worth doing your research before committing.
11 upvotes
Ella Mendoza
big facts right here
7 upvotes
miamilocal2020
yep
7 upvotes
Walter M.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Tampa about 9 years ago. The main reasons were weather and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good healthcare facilities
- Lots of new development happening
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are established, gas is improving.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Hope this helps!.
3 upvotes
Miles Bennett
good to know, thanks
3 upvotes
Ava Rogers
100%
1 upvotes
Nathan Baker
I've lived in Riverside for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from New York, I was surprised by dating scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Lots of new development happening
- The walkability scene is average
The downsides:
- Property taxes are high
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for couples. Happy to answer more specific questions..
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