Anyone else feel this way? It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. What do you all think?
5 upvotes
15 Replies
James Chavez
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Internet is excellent in most areas.
38 upvotes
Peyton E.
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 Salt Lake City for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. legal 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:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have beaches 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. Dating scene is rough. Bugs and humidity in summer. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 7/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
35 upvotes
Everett
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely challenging and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Cedar Grove) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Portland, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare is completely different here. And Dating scene is rough.
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.
35 upvotes
Santiago James
Bought a house here in 2017 and the quality of life is solid. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
34 upvotes
chill_aria5
I've been living here for 14 years and I'd say I have mixed feelings honestly. The traffic is tough compared to other places I've lived. Overall Feel free to reach out with questions..
34 upvotes
Zoey Ruiz
+1
31 upvotes
Carson Morris
not my experience at all
29 upvotes
Maverick J.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 51, moved here 7 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Old Town and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good internet infrastructure
2. Close to major attractions
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Limited shopping options
3. The dating scene situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for couples. tough vibes, walkable.
- Sunset: 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 San Diego, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
27 upvotes
Luke Brooks
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want healthcare, then yeah this place is great. But if pet-friendliness matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
27 upvotes
Aurora
noted, appreciate it
22 upvotes
Nicholas Torres
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 10 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Riverside side vs the The Heights side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
20 upvotes
Riley
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 13 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Highland side vs the South side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
19 upvotes
vegas_elizabeth
As someone who grew up here, I have mixed feelings honestly. A lot has changed in the past few years though. pet-friendliness used to be much established but now it's solid.
17 upvotes
Nova Evans
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. the quality of life is solid. Compared to Austin it's tough.
14 upvotes
Weston H.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..