Hey everyone, Born and raised here. Crime rate is something to consider -Downey sits at 313.4 per 100K. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Let me know your thoughts. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
23 upvotes
10 Replies
Jacob Brooks
Moved here from Phoenix about 9 years ago. it's been a really good experience overall. Still getting used to school system but Definitely worth checking out..
40 upvotes
David S.
accurate
40 upvotes
Quinn Young
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 15 years. Moved from San Francisco for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. 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 2-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is tough - we have hiking 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 challenging. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Can feel isolated. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
35 upvotes
Roman Taylor
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's not perfect but it works for me. Internet is hit or miss in most areas.
26 upvotes
Ruby C.
The food scene here is tough. Tons of great Indian places. it's exactly what I was looking for.
25 upvotes
Eliana T.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 33, moved here 6 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Downtown and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The community vibe situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for young professionals. 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 Baltimore, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
14 upvotes
Charlotte Collins
I've been living here for 14 years and I'd say I'm still on the fence after all this time. The school system is challenging compared to other places I've lived. Overall Feel free to reach out with questions..
8 upvotes
Lucas Taylor
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are decent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
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