Random thought, Property taxes are high but you get good services.
1 upvotes
15 Replies
Landon Morgan
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 46, moved here 5 years ago from LA. I've lived in North and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The healthcare situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for retirees. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 LA, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
37 upvotes
Lillian Ward
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 54, moved here 8 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Fairview and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Diverse dining options
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Can feel isolated
3. The outdoor recreation situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for families. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 Miami, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $40K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
36 upvotes
orlandolife2024
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is outdoor recreation. I have mixed feelings honestly. Worth doing your research before committing.
34 upvotes
Jackson Morris
Moved here from Houston about 9 years ago. the quality of life is solid. Still getting used to job market but No regrets on my end..
33 upvotes
Zoey Lopez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Salt Lake City about 11 years ago. The main reasons were school and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are reasonable, gas is pretty good.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
33 upvotes
Beverly R.
been saying this for years
28 upvotes
Ariana E.
I've lived in Pine Hills for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Boston, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Decent public transit for the size
- The school system scene is tough
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Urban sprawl is real
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for retirees. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
23 upvotes
Brooks Price
This.
22 upvotes
Zoey H.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is community vibe. it's been a really good experience overall. Worth doing your research before committing.
20 upvotes
Zoey
spot on
15 upvotes
Philip F.
Bought a house here in 2020 and it's exactly what I was looking for. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
13 upvotes
Everett
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is traffic. I genuinely enjoy living here. Worth doing your research before committing.
8 upvotes
Emma Garcia
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 30, moved here 3 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Midtown and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Diverse dining options
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The community vibe situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for couples. tough vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 Portland, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
4 upvotes
Vivian Morris
Can confirm, been here 1 years.
4 upvotes
Angel Parker
Hot take but I genuinely enjoy living here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 15 years here, that's my honest assessment.