Been meaning to ask this. Just moved here 1 months ago and Rent is about $2,549/month for a decent place. Average temperature is around 54--F, so expect cold winters. Poverty rate is 0.8%, which is pretty low. The weather takes some getting used to. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
7 upvotes
13 Replies
Evelyn Richardson
haha yep pretty much
28 upvotes
Julian Baker
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Chicago about 2 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Strong job market in several industries
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are manageable, gas is challenging.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Good luck with whatever you decide..
22 upvotes
Elizabeth R.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 8 years ago from Denver and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Cedar Grove. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in tech. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 3 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like Indian.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
17 upvotes
Riley Ortiz
As someone who grew up here, I have mixed feelings honestly. A lot has changed in the past few years though. community vibe used to be much established but now it's pretty good.
13 upvotes
Aria W.
been saying this for years
13 upvotes
Hailey Cox
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 6 years. Moved from Houston for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have national forests 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 average. 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Chain restaurants dominate. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 5/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
12 upvotes
Lillian Diaz
thanks for sharing
12 upvotes
Eli Ramos
I work in tech here and the quality of life is solid. The job market for my field is average. Feel free to reach out with questions..
11 upvotes
Charlotte Lee
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Portland about 4 years ago. The main reasons were family and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Good airport with direct flights
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Bugs and humidity in summer
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are pricey, gas is improving.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
9 upvotes
Serenity Moore
nah I disagree
9 upvotes
Isla Hughes
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's exactly what I was looking for. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
7 upvotes
Carter B.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 14 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Midtown side vs the Cedar Grove side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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