Hey everyone, Poverty rate is 2.2%, which is pretty low. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Has anyone dealt with this? Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
7 upvotes
9 Replies
emilia_lover
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The dating scene is genuinely underrated and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Midtown) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Minneapolis, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
36 upvotes
Nora J.
I've lived in East for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by safety. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Affordable housing options
- The nightlife scene is tough
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for singles. No regrets on my end..
32 upvotes
Ethan Peterson
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. it's not perfect but it works for me. Compared to Phoenix it's better than expected.
22 upvotes
Samuel Nguyen
Came here for a job opportunity and stayed because it's improved dramatically in recent years. The dating scene is honestly surprisingly good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
20 upvotes
Claire Davis
lol so true
18 upvotes
Jordan A.
Used to live on the Maple Ridge side, now on the Cedar Grove side. Completely different vibe. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
9 upvotes
Daniel R.
Moved here from Chicago about 8 years ago. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Still getting used to job market but It's not for everyone but it works for us..
4 upvotes
William Alvarez
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Compared to Portland it's better than expected.
3 upvotes
Hunter Bailey
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Pine Hills for 8 years. Moved from Atlanta for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth about the same 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:**
government is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Pine Hills schools are solid. 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. Nightlife is limited. Urban sprawl is real. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 5/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.