Hey everyone, I'm a 51-year-old teacher and The unemployment rate is 3.8%, which is pretty low. It's a a mid-size city city with about 123K people. Homes are going for about $453,300 on average. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The weather takes some getting used to. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Am I overthinking this? I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's changing fast — some good, some not so much. The weather takes some getting used to. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
30 upvotes
26 Replies
Isaiah M.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are pretty good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
40 upvotes
Lori P.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 7 years ago from Chicago and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in The Heights. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in tech. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 13 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like Asian.
Definitely worth checking out..
39 upvotes
Ariana
Hot take but it's been a really good experience overall. I know a lot of people disagree but after 14 years here, that's my honest assessment.
38 upvotes
born_zoe41
I'm a physical therapist and I've found it exceeded my expectations. The community is decent and there's always something going on.
37 upvotes
silas_life
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Feel free to reach out with questions..
37 upvotes
Noah Gomez
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 1 years ago from Charlotte and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Midtown. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in real estate. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 6 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like farm-to-table.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
36 upvotes
David M.
Moved here from Nashville about 10 years ago. it was the best decision I ever made. Still getting used to safety but Good luck with whatever you decide..
35 upvotes
Hudson Foster
The food scene here is underrated. Tons of great Indian places. it's been a really good experience overall.
34 upvotes
David Brooks
this is the way
33 upvotes
Jace Turner
hard disagree but ok
31 upvotes
Aaliyah Green
Hot take but it exceeded my expectations. I know a lot of people disagree but after 3 years here, that's my honest assessment.
30 upvotes
Aiden Long
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
27 upvotes
houstonnative2021
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
25 upvotes
Lydia Morgan
accurate
23 upvotes
cincy_wesley
yeah no that's not right
22 upvotes
Allison Phillips
wish I knew this sooner
21 upvotes
Jack Stewart
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 1 years ago from Baltimore and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Fairview. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in government. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 6 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like sushi.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
20 upvotes
Landon Gomez
I've been living here for 7 years and I'd say it's not perfect but it works for me. The healthcare is solid compared to other places I've lived. Overall It's not for everyone but it works for us..
18 upvotes
Emma Lee
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 15 years. Moved from Minneapolis for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is excellent - 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. East 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. Rising rent and home prices. Urban sprawl is real. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 8/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
13 upvotes
Leonardo Ramos
spot on
12 upvotes
Isaac King
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a nurse who relocated here from Boston about 6 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Affordable housing options
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are pricey, gas is decent.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
12 upvotes
Leah Hall
facts
11 upvotes
Andrew James
Bought a house here in 2015 and it's been a really good experience overall. Property values have gone about the same since then.
8 upvotes
Addison Rodriguez
This.
5 upvotes
Zoe Carter
same here
5 upvotes
Adam Nelson
I've lived in Pine Hills for about 10 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Miami, I was surprised by community vibe. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Lots of new development happening
- Good airport with direct flights
- The cultural scene scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for couples. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..