So, My family moved here when I was a kid. Median household income is $127,732, which feels pretty solid for the area. It's a a smaller city city with about 63,249 people. The suburbs are where most families end up. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The food scene here is surprisingly good. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The suburbs are where most families end up.
20 upvotes
7 Replies
nycguy2020
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 10 years. Moved from Atlanta for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2018 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:**
manufacturing is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is solid - 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 excellent. 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. Rising rent and home prices. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 9/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
38 upvotes
Ava Morgan
I've lived in Cedar Grove for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Phoenix, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- The pet-friendliness scene is decent
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for families. Good luck with whatever you decide..
37 upvotes
Connor Moore
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 10 years ago from Denver. I've lived in Oak Park and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Diverse dining options
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The cost of living situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for retirees. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: 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 Denver, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $80K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
15 upvotes
Easton Long
wish I knew this sooner
13 upvotes
Emilia Ortiz
Moved here from Tampa about 13 years ago. it's not perfect but it works for me. Still getting used to cost of living but No regrets on my end..
8 upvotes
Alexa Price
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Greenfield for 7 years. Moved from Portland for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2022 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. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. tech 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 improving - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Greenfield schools are better than expected. 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Far from beaches/mountains. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
6 upvotes
Ian Nguyen
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Tampa about 3 years ago. The main reasons were work and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Summers can be brutally hot
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are stable, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Hope this helps!.
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