Random thought, Poverty rate is 1.4%, which is pretty low. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
12 upvotes
14 Replies
Aurora Jones
following this thread
37 upvotes
Paisley Reyes
Public transit is hit or miss here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I have mixed feelings honestly.
35 upvotes
Anna
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are solid, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
34 upvotes
urban_maverick83
Public transit is excellent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it was the best decision I ever made.
31 upvotes
Nancy R.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 1 years ago from Chicago and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Westside. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in retail. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 17 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: better than expected. Tons of options if you like Mexican.
No regrets on my end..
30 upvotes
Isaac King
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 12 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The North side vs the Westside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
28 upvotes
andrew_kid
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 39, moved here 15 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Sunset and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Active local events and festivals
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Nightlife is limited
3. The public transit situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for young professionals. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 San Diego, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $80K-$110K 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.
25 upvotes
Mia Gomez
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 2 years. Moved from Raleigh for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2020 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. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is tough - 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 hit or miss. 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. Road conditions need improvement. Limited entertainment options. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
20 upvotes
addison_chef
not my experience at all
18 upvotes
Samuel Moore
yep
15 upvotes
Helen G.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
10 upvotes
Jayden Jones
+1
7 upvotes
Delilah Brooks
I work in healthcare here and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The job market for my field is decent. Good luck with whatever you decide..
4 upvotes
Matthew
I'm a data analyst and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. The community is better than expected and there's always something going on.