Thinking of a move (Riverside, Empire: job market, disposal, living in)

[tkbehr]

Hi - my family and I are thinking of a move to Riverside (or the area). We currently live in Colorado Springs CO, but would like to closer to the water, without giving up the mountains and sunshine. My wife and I have two small boys (ages 4 & 5). We are a mixed race family (white and black). We are ideologically moderate, but left-leaning. We love to be outdoors - trail running, hiking, skiing, watersports, etc. Based on this description, would we enjoy living in the area? After reading through the posts it seems like a toss-up - looking for some 'on the ground' opinions.

Also...we've lived in Houston TX, Norman OK, Salt Lake City UT, Manhattan KS, & Colorado Springs, so any refernce to those cities/places would be helpful.

[Count David]

I'd suggest you visit the area first to see if it's a place you'd enjoy. You didn't mention anything about work, is that a concern?

I live in Denver, and grew up in the Inland Empire. When comparing apples to apples, IMO Colorado Springs is nicer than the IE, but there is a lot more at your disposal in the IE. In the IE, you won't have snow (but can see it on the mountains), you won't have summer T-storms, it'll never be cold, and it'll be much warmer throughout the year. It will also cost more, there will be more traffic, smog, and the job market will be worse.

Your background, politics, and interests are suitable for the area. Some of the outdoor activities will be a hour or more drive away. The beach will be at least 45 minutes away (best case scenario), no matter where in the IE you live.

IMO, if you've survived any of those other places on your list, the IE would be a piece of cake.

[Fontucky]

26 is cold.

[Count David]

Originally Posted by Fontucky

26 is cold.

that sounds like our high for Thursday.