I'm a 54-year-old social worker and It's a a small town city with about 20,437 people. The unemployment rate is 2.1%, which is pretty low. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The suburbs are where most families end up. The weather takes some getting used to. The suburbs are where most families end up. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The suburbs are where most families end up. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The suburbs are where most families end up. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
9 upvotes
14 Replies
Caroline
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 4 years ago from Chicago and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in South. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 18 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like Mediterranean.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
33 upvotes
Aubrey K.
yeah no that's not right
31 upvotes
Asher Rodriguez
Hot take but it's been a really good experience overall. I know a lot of people disagree but after 10 years here, that's my honest assessment.
30 upvotes
David C.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Internet is pretty good in most areas.
26 upvotes
Skylar Brown
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The job market is genuinely pretty good and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (Uptown) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Diego, be prepared for the culture shock. cultural scene is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
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.
26 upvotes
Jeremiah Castillo
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 8 years. Moved from Chicago for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - 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. 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. Limited public transit options. Limited shopping options. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
21 upvotes
Sophie Hernandez
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are better than expected, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
20 upvotes
Wyatt Kim
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 26, moved here 10 years ago from LA. I've lived in Highland and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Close to major attractions
2. Affordable housing options
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The job market situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for remote workers. solid vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 LA, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $70K-$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.
19 upvotes
Ariana Young
My experience has been mostly positive. the quality of life is solid. The only thing I'd watch out for is housing market. Other than that, Would recommend to anyone considering it..
18 upvotes
Greyson W.
spot on
12 upvotes
Allison
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are underrated, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
12 upvotes
Ezekiel Harris
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 7 years. Moved from Atlanta for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2016 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:**
government is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. North schools are tough. 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. Winters are long and cold. Property taxes are high. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 9/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
9 upvotes
Aurora Scott
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are solid, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
2 upvotes
Addison
I've lived in Sunset for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Portland, I was surprised by food scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Active local events and festivals
- Good airport with direct flights
- The healthcare scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Nightlife is limited
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for remote workers. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
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