Hey folks, The unemployment rate is 2.4%, which is pretty low. Poverty rate is 1.7%, which is pretty low. Rent is about $3,194/month for a decent place. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. What neighborhoods would you suggest? The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The city has invested a lot in new development. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
5 upvotes
12 Replies
Isabella W.
thanks for sharing
38 upvotes
Liam
Came here for my partner's job and stayed because it's exactly what I was looking for. The traffic is honestly pretty good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
33 upvotes
Isla Wood
same here
29 upvotes
Andrew M.
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 Denver for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up a bit 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:**
education is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have desert landscapes 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. Dating scene is rough. Homeless population growing downtown. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 6/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
28 upvotes
Owen White
Public transit is tough here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it was the best decision I ever made.
24 upvotes
Nevaeh Campbell
noted, appreciate it
21 upvotes
Bryan F.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 10 years. Moved from Boston for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2018 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. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is improving - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. South schools are solid. 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Limited shopping options. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 6/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
17 upvotes
Gabriella L.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is public transit. it was the best decision I ever made. Worth doing your research before committing.
13 upvotes
Gabriella
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The outdoor recreation is genuinely underrated and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (Cedar Grove) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Phoenix, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
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.
9 upvotes
Declan W.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 26, moved here 5 years ago from Boston. I've lived in East and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The community vibe situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for families. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 Boston, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $70K-$100K 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.
3 upvotes
Bennett Lopez
My experience has been mostly positive. it's been a really good experience overall. The only thing I'd watch out for is school system. Other than that, Good luck with whatever you decide..
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