Been meaning to ask this. Born and raised here. Homes are going for about $229,300 on average. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
49 upvotes
3 Replies
Jameson Cruz
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 14 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2024 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. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is improving - we have ski resorts 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 improving. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Not very walkable outside downtown. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
13 upvotes
Emily Bailey
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 29, moved here 14 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Riverside and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The school system situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for families. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: 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 underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $50K-$70K 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.
1 upvotes
Isabelle Turner
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 12 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is nightlife. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into running, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Cedar Grove side vs the Old Town side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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