My partner and I are Homes are going for about $191,800 on average. Average temperature is around 52--F, so expect cold winters. The median home value here is around $191,800, which is actually reasonable. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The weather takes some getting used to. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
6 upvotes
15 Replies
William Martinez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value nightlife, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely hit or miss and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (Downtown) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Portland, be prepared for the culture shock. job market is completely different here. And Road conditions need improvement.
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.
36 upvotes
Kaylee J.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a nurse who relocated here from Dallas about 11 years ago. The main reasons were weather and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are established, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
35 upvotes
Jacob Wood
I've lived in East for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by safety. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The dating scene scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for retirees. No regrets on my end..
34 upvotes
Piper
Used to live on the Sunset side, now on the Springfield side. Completely different vibe. it's exactly what I was looking for.
34 upvotes
Genesis W.
I've lived in Greenfield for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from Nashville, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Decent public transit for the size
- The walkability scene is average
The downsides:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for retirees. Feel free to reach out with questions..
31 upvotes
Quinn Diaz
100%
24 upvotes
Josiah Nguyen
noted, appreciate it
23 upvotes
Logan Ruiz
I've lived in Riverside for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from LA, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Strong sense of community
- The cost of living scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for couples. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
21 upvotes
Nolan Alvarez
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 14 years ago from Pittsburgh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Springfield. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in finance you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 13 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like sushi.
Definitely worth checking out..
21 upvotes
Maverick Jimenez
good to know, thanks
21 upvotes
Carter P.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 48, moved here 13 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in Greenfield and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Good healthcare facilities
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The community vibe situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for young professionals. improving vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 Atlanta, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $70K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
20 upvotes
Christian Hughes
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it was the best decision I ever made. Internet is underrated in most areas.
16 upvotes
Aurora Clark
it depends on the neighborhood
6 upvotes
Lucas Mendoza
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 5 years. Moved from Tampa for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. engineering 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:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is tough - we have national forests 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 decent. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Homeless population growing downtown. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 6/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
6 upvotes
Xavier Johnson
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 5 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is food scene. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Lakewood side vs the Riverside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
All Countries
