Random thought, My family moved here when I was a kid. Household incomes average around $67,958 in Dodge City. The median home value here is around $122,800, which is actually reasonable. The city has invested a lot in new development. Any advice would be great. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
0 upvotes
14 Replies
Zoey
noted, appreciate it
39 upvotes
Jace
Used to live on the Pine Hills side, now on the Midtown side. Completely different vibe. I have mixed feelings honestly.
34 upvotes
Nolan H.
I've lived in Oak Park for about 10 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from San Diego, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Good airport with direct flights
- The healthcare scene is tough
The downsides:
- Limited shopping options
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for families. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
30 upvotes
Zoe Morgan
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 13 years ago from Miami and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Eastside. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in education. If you're in education you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 8 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like sushi.
Hope this helps!.
23 upvotes
Xavier James
Bought a house here in 2016 and it was the best decision I ever made. Property values have gone about the same since then.
23 upvotes
Aiden Anderson
same here
21 upvotes
Aiden Cox
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 24, moved here 12 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Downtown and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Diverse dining options
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The weather situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for singles. average vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 Dallas, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
17 upvotes
Jack Richardson
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's been a really good experience overall. Hope this helps!.
10 upvotes
Roman Ortiz
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 3 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is cultural scene. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Springfield side vs the Fairview side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
8 upvotes
Violet Allen
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 13 years. Moved from Seattle for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2021 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. education 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:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is pretty good - 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 underrated. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Not very walkable outside downtown. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
6 upvotes
Levi Adams
I've been living here for 13 years and I'd say it's not perfect but it works for me. The weather is hit or miss compared to other places I've lived. Overall It's not for everyone but it works for us..
5 upvotes
Elena Harris
100%
4 upvotes
Eli
Weather-wise, the summers are underrated and winters are stable. You get used to it after the first year.
2 upvotes
Emily
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is community vibe. I love the pace of life here. Worth doing your research before committing.
All Countries
