Hey, I relocated for work and Median household income is $49,190, which feels on the lower side for the area. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Would love some local perspective.
28 upvotes
28 Replies
Thomas M.
nah I disagree
38 upvotes
Paisley T.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are improving, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
36 upvotes
Ellie Perez
The food scene here is challenging. Tons of great Southern places. it's exactly what I was looking for.
35 upvotes
Paisley Ward
We moved here with our family and the quality of life is solid. Schools in Eastside area are better than expected. Kids love it here.
34 upvotes
Vivian Nelson
literally same
31 upvotes
Christian Jimenez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 12 years. Moved from Baltimore for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. 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 underrated. 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. Dating scene is rough. Far from beaches/mountains. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 6/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
31 upvotes
stllover2022
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value nightlife, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Highland) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Diego, be prepared for the culture shock. housing market 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.
30 upvotes
Bella Wilson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 33, moved here 13 years ago from New York. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Affordable housing options
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The weather situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for young professionals. solid vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 New York, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $70K-$150K 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.
29 upvotes
olivia_papa
I'm a electrician and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. The community is solid and there's always something going on.
29 upvotes
Gabriella Myers
facts
27 upvotes
Grayson Y.
exactly what I was thinking
27 upvotes
Axel Hall
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Austin about 4 years ago. The main reasons were work and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Strong job market in several industries
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Can feel isolated
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are stable, gas is challenging.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
26 upvotes
Kinsley
same here
25 upvotes
Donna P.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 9 years. Moved from Atlanta for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - 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. Sunset schools are hit or miss. 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. Limited high-paying job options. Limited shopping options. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 8/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
24 upvotes
Eliana Roberts
Totally agree!
22 upvotes
Ian Clark
exactly what I was thinking
21 upvotes
Willow Collins
hmm interesting perspective
19 upvotes
chill_aria5
same here
17 upvotes
Samuel K.
following this thread
10 upvotes
Jaxon E.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Old Town for 12 years. Moved from Seattle for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2021 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. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. government 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's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Old Town 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. Nightlife is limited. Chain restaurants dominate. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 9/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
9 upvotes
Nolan Ruiz
As someone who grew up here, it's improved dramatically in recent years. A lot has changed in the past few years though. community vibe used to be much affordable but now it's solid.
9 upvotes
Aubrey M.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 11 years. Moved from Minneapolis for a job opportunity. 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 significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have biking trails 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 hit or miss. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Rising rent and home prices. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
8 upvotes
Adrian Nguyen
bump
7 upvotes
Madelyn
Came here for school and stayed because I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor recreation is honestly better than expected and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
4 upvotes
David Martin
The food scene here is decent. Tons of great seafood places. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
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