Hey everyone, The unemployment rate is 0.4%, which is pretty low. Homes are going for about $284,600 on average. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
2 upvotes
4 Replies
Declan A.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Denver about 6 years ago. The main reasons were school and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Strong sense of community
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are wild, gas is solid.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. No regrets on my end..
30 upvotes
Amelia S.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 1 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is community vibe. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the The Heights side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
25 upvotes
Nathan Kelly
noted, appreciate it
7 upvotes
Aubrey Adams
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 4 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2022 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. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. government 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:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is better than expected - 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. 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. Homeless population growing downtown. Bugs and humidity in summer. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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