What BestPlaces Users Say about Riverside
Riverside, California is a city located in Southern California that has a population of approximately 330,000 people. It is known for its scenic views, diverse community, and historic landmarks, such as the Mission Inn. However, like any city, Riverside has its pros and cons. In this particular place, some of the main factors that impact the overall quality of life include the cost of living, job opportunities, and public transportation.
Riverside is a popular destination for people looking to live in Southern California, as it offers a lower cost of living compared to other nearby cities, such as Los Angeles and San Diego. However, the cost of living can still be a challenge for some, as pointed out by user "JohnD" who says, "The cost of living here is relatively high, especially for rent and housing. It can be difficult to find affordable housing in a safe neighborhood." Another user, "SaraG", adds, "The cost of living is definitely a downside, but the job opportunities make up for it. There are plenty of job options in a variety of industries, which is great for those looking to start their career."
One aspect that many reviewers seem to agree on is the diversity and sense of community in Riverside. User "MariaH" shares, "I love the diversity in Riverside. There are people from all walks of life here and it creates a very welcoming and inclusive atmosphere." User "JamesP" echoes this sentiment, saying, "Riverside is a melting pot of different cultures and backgrounds. It's refreshing to see diversity embraced and celebrated in a community." This diversity is evident in the city's many cultural festivals and events, as well as the variety of cuisines and businesses.
However, one common complaint among reviewers is the lack of efficient public transportation. User "EmilyR" states, "The public transportation system in Riverside is not the best. Buses are often late and infrequent, and the train system is limited." This can make it challenging for those without a car to get around the city. Despite this, many reviewers still find ways to navigate the city, with some opting for biking or ride-sharing services.
In conclusion, Riverside, California is a city with a diverse community, job opportunities, and a lower cost of living compared to other nearby cities. While the cost of living and public transportation may be areas for improvement, many reviewers still find the overall quality of life in Riverside to be positive and enjoyable. As put by user "AlexG", "Riverside may not be perfect, but it has its charm and there is something for everyone here."
based on 42 ReviewsGet to know Riverside with the latest comments and reviews from people who live in or have visited Riverside
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Great City without the Great City cost - 12/4/2009
Riverside, CA is an amazing city. With over 280,000 residents, the city manages a true vibrance. Nice parks, festivals & community activities in addition to the constant revitalization projects this is a nice city with responsible
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Riverside: Not For Everybody - 11/1/2009
I have lived here since I was 3, but for the last few years, I've started liking Riverside less and less. It's scorching hot here over the summer time. We also have so many illegal immigrants taking over the city. You'll find tons of them hanging around Home Depot on Indiana ave. The schools are overcrowded due to the budget cuts in RUSD and Riverside is ranked as having one of the highest foreclosure rates in the nation. A long time ago, Riverside had a good reputation for growing oranges and other citrus fruit. Now many of them are being cut down for land development, which is causing overpopulation, more traffic, and more foreclosed homes. Why do people move here? Because it's cheap. Homes that you can find in L.A. or Orange County for $1 million can be worth $700K in Riverside. It's also a longer commute to the larger areas where most of the residents work. In my honest opinion, Riverside is becoming a more undesirable place to live in. Once I graduate from high school, I'm out of
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weather - 9/28/2009
Weather here seems to get dryer and dryer. Although this summer was probably the coolest in years, it continues to rain less. If i were to continue living here, i would only live in a house with a
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Climate - 9/15/2009
Our climate in Riverside California is pretty sporadic depending on the time of year. The temperature can be as low as 29 degrees in the winter months and as high as 106 degrees in the summer months. Our temperature is pretty good most of the time. We have very low humidity compared to the east coast and during the summer we usually get dry heat. We do get high winds a couple times a year. Overall though, Riverside California is good
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Riverside The Worst of Everything in One City - 9/7/2009
Riverside has just ranked 12 in terms of stressful living, and 2nd in
unemployment according to Forbes. We have the 3rd worst air pollution
in America. The schools and medical system are perfect for the illegal
immigrants its proudly and generously serves. Riverside used to have an interesting racial mix, but now the city is deluged with illegals who are sucking off the system and creating crime.
Not that we don't have enough home grown crime. We had a long tradition of violent drug gangs for close to a century. The Zodiac killer got his start in Riverside along with several other not so famous outside of Calif mass killers. Along with several Los Angeles gangs like the Crips and the Bloods moving in, and a few bike gangs, Riverside is a lovely place to stay barricaded in one's home with Gun in hand.
The weather is hot and nasty in the summer. It routinely is over a 100 degrees in the summer and in the winter it is biting cold for a
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Not a family-friendly city - 10/25/2008
Riverside has several great universities, but I wouldn't call it your usual university town as the cultural side of this fairly large city is poor. And it is definately a city in which you need a car. Though Riverside is by far the largest city in what is affectionately termed The Inland Empire, many of the major stores are anchoring themselves outside of Riverside as there is the mentality that residents will drive to shop. This is problematic as the traffic is always bad and with gas prices high, fewer people are chosing to make these drives. Then there is the problem with the schools. In the middle school, for example, there are 250 kids on the playing field with only 5 adults to supervise them. Schools are horribly under-funded and there doesn't seem to be an end in sight to change this long-running problem. The schools are over crowded (over 32 kids is many 4th grade classrooms with only one teacher and no aide) and there are nearly 3,000 kids attending MLK high school
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Vintage Living - 5/24/2008
I love the life I have in Riverside.
We live in a converted vintage home in the Prospect place historic district of Riverside. This area of downtown Riverside has hundreds of classic victorian and craftsman homes. This city is great, plus there's 4 great bars we can reach just walking a couple of
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Recreation in Riverside Ca - 9/19/2007
Recreation options in Riverside California are one of the most underrated aspect of living in the Inland Empire as we call it. We live at the foot of the great San Bernardino Mountains that include many great resorts, lakes, and mountain streams. We also are just outside the desert areas that provide large areas for camping, off road vehicle use, and quiet historical places to visit. Riverside is 1 hour away from the fantastic Southern California beaches with warm water and many activities related to the coast. We love this secret knowledge we have regarding our recreation areas and how they improve our
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