Been meaning to ask this. Military spouse here. Average temperature is around 78--F, so it's warm year-round. Crime rate is something to consider -Coamo zona urbana sits at 2,771.8 per 100K. Poverty rate is 49.7%, which is higher than I expected. You can expect to pay around $447 for rent here. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Any advice would be great. Thanks in advance! There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The suburbs are where most families end up. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
4 upvotes
11 Replies
Piper James
yep
37 upvotes
Claire Roberts
haha yep pretty much
32 upvotes
Joseph P.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 13 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The West side vs the Lakewood side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
25 upvotes
Zoey M.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value weather, you'll love it. The cultural scene is genuinely pretty good and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (Eastside) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Miami, be prepared for the culture shock. nightlife is completely different here. And Dating scene 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.
24 upvotes
Jordan Ruiz
Public transit is underrated here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's been a really good experience overall.
9 upvotes
Maverick Morales
This.
5 upvotes
Nova
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 56, moved here 14 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Midtown and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Rising rent and home prices
3. The community vibe situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for retirees. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 Phoenix, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with 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.
4 upvotes
Bennett J.
I've been living here for 6 years and I'd say I'm still on the fence after all this time. The walkability is solid compared to other places I've lived. Overall Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
4 upvotes
Emmett Martin
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 3 years. Moved from LA for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2022 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. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. real estate 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 love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is decent - we have biking trails 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. Property taxes are high. Chain restaurants dominate. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 5/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
1 upvotes
Stella Cooper
Saving this thread
0 upvotes
Luna Long
I work in tech here and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The job market for my field is challenging. Definitely worth checking out..
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