Curious what people think. I'm a remote worker and The median home value here is around $258,900, which seems about average. Average temperature is around 59--F, so the weather is moderate. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Am I wrong here?
12 upvotes
14 Replies
columbus_hazel
Saving this thread
40 upvotes
Paisley M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 50, moved here 2 years ago from LA. I've lived in Midtown and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Diverse dining options
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The dating scene situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for retirees. average vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $100K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
29 upvotes
Evelyn Carter
Bought a house here in 2024 and it's exactly what I was looking for. Property values have gone about the same since then.
25 upvotes
oaklandliving2024
Bought a house here in 2015 and I genuinely enjoy living here. Property values have gone about the same since then.
23 upvotes
lake_miles39
The food scene here is pretty good. Tons of great Thai places. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
21 upvotes
Rylee Clark
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Tampa about 5 years ago. The main reasons were work and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are stable, gas is underrated.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Good luck with whatever you decide..
21 upvotes
proud_jaxon98
My experience has been mostly positive. it was the best decision I ever made. The only thing I'd watch out for is dating scene. Other than that, No regrets on my end..
20 upvotes
Cora K.
hard disagree but ok
19 upvotes
Delilah Alvarez
Came here for weather and stayed because I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The walkability is honestly decent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
19 upvotes
Wesley Sanchez
This.
19 upvotes
Aaliyah Kelly
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely average and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Fairview) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Nashville, be prepared for the culture shock. dating scene is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
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.
16 upvotes
Julia Stewart
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 11 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is cultural scene. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the nightlife is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Eastside side vs the Riverside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
8 upvotes
Kai P.
I work in manufacturing here and it's been a really good experience overall. The job market for my field is pretty good. Definitely worth checking out..
3 upvotes
Sarah Sanchez
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 Charlotte for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2019 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. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living 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 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Far from beaches/mountains. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 9/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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