I'm not complaining it just doesn't make any sense...everywhere else is completely great including whiterun,solitude, etc but Riften is just a mess. Anybody have a good reason?

Because the falling leaves are very resource-intensive. If you're on PC, this mod should make a difference: http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/downloads/file.php?id=6387

Ps3..thanks for the link anyway might give it to some friends

Sorry it doesn't do you any good. But yeah, the falling leaves are the culprit.

Such a shame..it's my favorite city

Wow, thanks! That's just what I need; I'm having the same Riften problem.

It really isn't laggy at all.

It's not that laggy on my rig, but there are an endless combination of builds out there, some doing better than others. I'm considering using it anyway, just because any improved performance is good in my book.

@fragonard: Glad to be of help.