I'm a teacher here and You can expect to pay around $1,392 for rent here. Homes are going for about $238,700 on average. With a population of 23,314, Edgewater is a small town. Rent is about $1,392/month for a decent place. The suburbs are where most families end up. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Any advice would be great. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The city has invested a lot in new development. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The food scene here is surprisingly good. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
8 upvotes
14 Replies
Julia Ross
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is traffic. it's exactly what I was looking for. Worth doing your research before committing.
40 upvotes
Everett M.
We moved here with our family and I love the pace of life here. Schools in Westside area are pretty good. Kids love it here.
37 upvotes
Anna F.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are surprisingly good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
36 upvotes
Kai Flores
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Nashville about 15 years ago. The main reasons were family and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Good airport with direct flights
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are growing, gas is pretty good.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
35 upvotes
Ethan F.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value food scene, you'll love it. The cost of living is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Highland) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Pittsburgh, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
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
Willow Flores
As someone who grew up here, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. A lot has changed in the past few years though. weather used to be much reasonable but now it's improving.
32 upvotes
Eliana Morgan
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 5 years. Moved from Boston for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have ski resorts 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. Limited shopping options. Dating scene is rough. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
30 upvotes
Raymond M.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 15 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the Uptown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
18 upvotes
Jackson Lopez
Moved here from Pittsburgh about 9 years ago. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Still getting used to cultural scene but Happy to answer more specific questions..
16 upvotes
local_quinn86
glad someone said it
6 upvotes
Addison Foster
good to know, thanks
5 upvotes
Lucy C.
as a local I can confirm
2 upvotes
Benjamin White
nah I disagree
2 upvotes
Maya
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 55, moved here 4 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in South and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Friendly community, easy to meet people
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The dating scene situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for remote workers. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 Raleigh, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $90K-$70K 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.