OK so I'm a remote worker and Median household income is $116,560, which feels pretty solid for the area. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Would love some local perspective. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
24 upvotes
5 Replies
Emmett Robinson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 10 years. Moved from Raleigh for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. tech 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:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is solid - we have ski resorts 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 solid. 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. Urban sprawl is real. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
15 upvotes
Elijah Jackson
Came here for retirement and stayed because I genuinely enjoy living here. The safety is honestly improving and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
15 upvotes
Emilia P.
haha yep pretty much
14 upvotes
Madelyn Bailey
Public transit is improving here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it was the best decision I ever made.
13 upvotes
Violet Moore
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 57, moved here 3 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in The Heights and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Close to major attractions
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The safety situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for couples. improving vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 Seattle, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
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