I'm originally from Atlanta and Homes are going for about $123,400 on average. Median household income is $64,091, which feels about average for the area. Poverty rate is 11.2%, which is around average. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The weather takes some getting used to. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
Pros:
- Nice parks and trails
- Low crime in most areas
- Easy commute
- Good healthcare facilities
- Good airport connections
Cons:
- Limited public transit
- Not very walkable
- Limited dining options
- High property taxes
Would love some local perspective. The suburbs are where most families end up. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The weather takes some getting used to. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The weather takes some getting used to. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The suburbs are where most families end up. The city has invested a lot in new development. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The weather takes some getting used to.
14 upvotes
15 Replies
Luna Myers
it depends on the neighborhood
29 upvotes
Gabriel Y.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 58, moved here 15 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Fairview and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The cost of living situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for young professionals. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $60K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
28 upvotes
Miles Flores
As someone who grew up here, I have mixed feelings honestly. A lot has changed in the past few years though. outdoor recreation used to be much wild but now it's improving.
28 upvotes
Aiden Davis
I've lived in Pine Hills for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Seattle, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The dating scene scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Nightlife is limited
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for retirees. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
27 upvotes
Greyson A.
I'm a sales manager and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. The community is solid and there's always something going on.
25 upvotes
Helen H.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Greenfield for 1 years. Moved from Chicago for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is improving - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Greenfield schools are excellent. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Rising rent and home prices. Nightlife is limited. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 6/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
25 upvotes
Ariana
exactly what I was thinking
22 upvotes
chill_jaxon92
I work in marketing here and I have mixed feelings honestly. The job market for my field is challenging. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
22 upvotes
Mateo Richardson
Came here for school and stayed because it's been a really good experience overall. The cultural scene is honestly decent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
20 upvotes
Sophia Ross
Hot take but I'm still on the fence after all this time. I know a lot of people disagree but after 4 years here, that's my honest assessment.
12 upvotes
Naomi
yep
10 upvotes
Avery Martinez
underrated comment
9 upvotes
Parker A.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 3 years ago from Baltimore and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Cedar Grove. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in tech. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like seafood.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
5 upvotes
Eleanor G.
I've lived in Eastside for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Atlanta, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Decent public transit for the size
- The public transit scene is average
The downsides:
- Dating scene is rough
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for retirees. Happy to answer more specific questions..
5 upvotes
Nolan Reed
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 6 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Westside side vs the Riverside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.