Worth the trade-offs? Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
10 upvotes
11 Replies
Sebastian Bailey
been saying this for years
31 upvotes
Henry Baker
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 55, moved here 13 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Pine Hills and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The nightlife situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for retirees. challenging vibes, walkable.
- North: 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $60K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
28 upvotes
Madelyn Hill
My experience has been mostly positive. it's improved dramatically in recent years. The only thing I'd watch out for is food scene. Other than that, Happy to answer more specific questions..
26 upvotes
Ellie Martin
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from Portland about 13 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Decent public transit for the size
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Rising rent and home prices
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are stable, gas is better than expected.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
19 upvotes
Xavier Hernandez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value school system, you'll love it. The nightlife is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (Oak Park) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from LA, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit 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.
19 upvotes
Carol C.
yep
11 upvotes
Ellie Cooper
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is outdoor recreation. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Worth doing your research before committing.
6 upvotes
Victoria Foster
Hot take but it's exactly what I was looking for. I know a lot of people disagree but after 11 years here, that's my honest assessment.
4 upvotes
Everly Rivera
Can confirm, been here 3 years.
4 upvotes
Kinsley C.
My experience has been mostly positive. I love the pace of life here. The only thing I'd watch out for is walkability. Other than that, Good luck with whatever you decide..
4 upvotes
charlotte_kinsley
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 Salt Lake City for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. manufacturing 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 exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have state parks 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 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Limited entertainment options. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 9/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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