OK so I've been here for 10 years and Poverty rate is 8.3%, which is pretty low. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
18 upvotes
15 Replies
Genesis W.
not my experience at all
40 upvotes
kc_silas
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 9 years ago from Raleigh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Pine Hills. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in marketing. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 16 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like Thai.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
36 upvotes
Abigail R.
I work in construction here and it's exactly what I was looking for. The job market for my field is surprisingly good. Feel free to reach out with questions..
34 upvotes
Christine R.
been saying this for years
34 upvotes
Olivia M.
Weather-wise, the summers are solid and winters are pricey. You get used to it after the first year.
31 upvotes
Elizabeth
I've lived in Pine Hills for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from San Francisco, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Affordable housing options
- The school system scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for families. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
29 upvotes
Landon King
Bought a house here in 2023 and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Property values have gone about the same since then.
22 upvotes
Sadie Nelson
Used to live on the Oak Park side, now on the Highland side. Completely different vibe. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
22 upvotes
Sara T.
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 9 years. Moved from Portland for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is improving - we have mountains 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 pretty 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. Road conditions need improvement. Bugs and humidity in summer. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 8/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
13 upvotes
Skylar Green
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 45, moved here 13 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Uptown and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The outdoor recreation situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for retirees. decent vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 Austin, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $60K-$70K 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.
12 upvotes
John C.
Bought a house here in 2016 and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
9 upvotes
Cora W.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. it's exactly what I was looking for. Compared to Houston it's better than expected.
8 upvotes
Nova Brooks
noted, appreciate it
7 upvotes
Xavier Hill
We moved here with our family and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Schools in Greenfield area are solid. Kids love it here.
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