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Arianna Thompson
moving
Thinking about relocating to Darien from Los Angeles
Alright, Been living here since 2015. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
4 upvotes
13 Replies
Gabriella Brooks
I'm a contractor and I've found the quality of life is solid. The community is tough and there's always something going on.
40 upvotes
Jeremiah G.
Moved here from Dallas about 3 years ago. the quality of life is solid. Still getting used to community vibe but It's not for everyone but it works for us..
38 upvotes
urban_ethan56
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are challenging, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
34 upvotes
Isabelle
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 2 years. Moved from Houston for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. hospitality 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:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have rivers 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 surprisingly good. 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. Chain restaurants dominate. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 5/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Pine Hills for 2 years. Moved from Houston for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. hospitality 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:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have rivers 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 surprisingly good. 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. Chain restaurants dominate. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 5/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
34 upvotes
Isabelle Scott
I'm a contractor and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. The community is decent and there's always something going on.
32 upvotes
Elena Phillips
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are underrated, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
32 upvotes
mountain_sophia28
following this thread
29 upvotes
Kaylee Ramos
This.
27 upvotes
Theresa B.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. it was the best decision I ever made. Compared to New York it's pretty good.
26 upvotes
Jameson Patel
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from San Diego about 12 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are wild, gas is improving.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Good luck with whatever you decide..
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from San Diego about 12 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are wild, gas is improving.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Good luck with whatever you decide..
25 upvotes
Easton G.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 10 years ago from LA and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Greenfield. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 6 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like sushi.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Greenfield. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 6 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like sushi.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
20 upvotes
Aiden R.
hmm interesting perspective
3 upvotes
Eugene W.
Moved here last year, no regrets.
1 upvotes