Median household income is $63,072, which feels about average for the area. With a population of 396K, Wichita is a mid-size city. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The food scene here is surprisingly good. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
48 upvotes
12 Replies
Joseph
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 2 years. Moved from Houston for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have hiking trails 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. Can feel isolated. Limited entertainment options. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
40 upvotes
Isaac Jimenez
this is the way
40 upvotes
Sophia
Bought a house here in 2016 and it's been a really good experience overall. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
37 upvotes
Joshua Evans
hard disagree but ok
28 upvotes
Amelia Jones
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 24, moved here 8 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Riverside and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The healthcare situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for families. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 Portland, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $60K-$150K 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.
19 upvotes
Scarlett R.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is housing market. I genuinely enjoy living here. Worth doing your research before committing.
16 upvotes
Scarlett Gonzalez
noted, appreciate it
14 upvotes
Sarah F.
Bought a house here in 2018 and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
12 upvotes
Isabella Rogers
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 5 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Pine Hills side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
9 upvotes
Aiden
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 46, moved here 8 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in Springfield and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The community vibe situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for singles. decent vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 Nashville, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $50K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
4 upvotes
Hudson Sanchez
Can confirm, been here 12 years.
3 upvotes
Audrey Bennett
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 55, moved here 10 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Fairview and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Limited shopping options
3. The cultural scene situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for couples. better than expected 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 San Francisco, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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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