First post here. I'm a teacher here and Homes are going for about $273,400 on average. Crime rate is something to consider -Yakima sits at 446.0 per 100K. Median household income is $59,228, which feels about average for the area. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The weather takes some getting used to. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. What are your go-to spots? It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The weather takes some getting used to. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The city has invested a lot in new development. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
27 upvotes
2 Replies
Elena Reyes
underrated comment
40 upvotes
Adam
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 11 years. Moved from Minneapolis for retirement. 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 up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. education 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 better than expected - we have rivers 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 challenging. 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 a lot of cultural diversity. Dating scene is rough. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.