After leaving LA, I found some surprisingly good reasons to live in Riverside for Koreans

I didn't realize at first that Riverside is a better neighborhood for Koreans than I expected.

Compared to LA's Koreatown, the number of Koreans is obviously smaller, and there are fewer Korean restaurants and markets. When you first arrive, it can feel a bit empty.

However, after living here for a few years, I've found that Riverside has its own clear advantages. It's worth considering for families with kids or those tired of LA's housing prices.

The first thing you notice is definitely the housing costs. Anyone who has looked for a house in LA knows how scary the prices can be when you start searching for a three-bedroom house with a yard. Riverside isn't as cheap as it used to be, but compared to LA County, you have a much higher chance of finding a larger home for the same price.

Renting is also different; if you've been paying high rent for an old apartment in LA, moving to Riverside might allow you to find a place with an extra room or better parking for the same budget. For families with two kids and two cars, this difference is significant. In LA, many places can be stressful just trying to find parking before you even leave the house.

That said, there are still Koreans in Riverside. If you expect to find a Korean restaurant on every block like in LA's Koreatown, you will be disappointed. However, there are Korean churches and small Korean businesses, creating a connected community.

In fact, the smaller size makes it easier to connect with people once you get to know them through church or gatherings.

For newcomers, this network can be surprisingly helpful. It's often quicker to ask someone who has lived here longer where to find a Korean-speaking real estate agent, a good auto repair shop, or a hospital or accountant that speaks Korean than to search online. If you can't find the Korean food or products you need, you can drive a bit to other areas in the Inland Empire or Orange County.

Some families consider Riverside for educational reasons. The most notable is UC Riverside. UCR is a research university within the UC system, which influences the city's atmosphere. There are many students and researchers around the university, and an Asian community has naturally formed.

However, if you're moving for your kids' schooling, there's one important thing to know. Not all public schools in Riverside are good. Even within the Riverside Unified School District, there are differences in achievement and atmosphere among schools. So, don't rush to sign a contract just because the house is nice and affordable; make sure to check the assigned elementary, middle, and high schools. In the U.S., sometimes just crossing a street can change school districts.

Another advantage of Riverside is that you don't have to completely give up on LA. It feels different from moving to another state far away from the LA area. You can still go to LA or Orange County when needed while living in a slightly larger and quieter place most of the time. Of course, if you take the 91 or 60 freeways during rush hour, this advantage can quickly turn into a disadvantage. You really have to be prepared for traffic jams.

Ultimately, the reason Riverside is good for Koreans isn't because it's glamorous. It allows you to reduce your housing costs compared to LA while having a bit more space and still accessing a necessary Korean community, all while continuing to live in Southern California.

Some people find LA too expensive but don't want to move all the way to Nevada or Texas. For those families, Riverside can surprisingly be a realistic middle ground. Living here, you start to understand why families are moving from LA to this area.