My family moved here when I was a kid. Household incomes average around $130,803 in Coral Gables. Rent is about $2,121/month for a decent place. Median household income is $130,803, which feels pretty solid for the area. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Am I overthinking this? People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The suburbs are where most families end up. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
10 upvotes
12 Replies
Mia Anderson
We moved here with our family and it's not perfect but it works for me. Schools in Oak Park area are pretty good. Kids love it here.
39 upvotes
Abigail Gray
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 1 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is cultural scene. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Fairview side vs the Highland side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
33 upvotes
austin_kai
I'm a project manager and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. The community is decent and there's always something going on.
28 upvotes
Bennett Martin
been saying this for years
26 upvotes
Paisley
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 29, moved here 14 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Old Town and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The pet-friendliness situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for young professionals. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 Tampa, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
26 upvotes
Brielle Smith
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 7 years. Moved from Austin for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is decent - 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 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. Limited public transit options. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
23 upvotes
Isla
bump
19 upvotes
tulsa_jeremiah
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 39, moved here 10 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Fairview and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The school system situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for couples. better than expected 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 Baltimore, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $40K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
18 upvotes
Nova H.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want school system, then yeah this place is great. But if public transit matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
15 upvotes
Eleanor W.
not my experience at all
5 upvotes
Victoria Howard
Moved here from Tampa about 3 years ago. I have mixed feelings honestly. Still getting used to dating scene but Happy to answer more specific questions..
2 upvotes
Kevin R.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is nightlife. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Worth doing your research before committing.