Longtime lurker here, Been living here since 2019. Homes are going for about $290,000 on average. Worth the trade-offs?
10 upvotes
2 Replies
Austin Howard
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want walkability, then yeah this place is great. But if pet-friendliness matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
16 upvotes
Austin Walker
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 38, moved here 8 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Pine Hills and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Limited shopping options
3. The traffic situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for retirees. improving vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Boston, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.