I'm single, late 20s, and The unemployment rate is 5.0%, which is about average. Poverty rate is 7.6%, which is pretty low. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Property taxes are high but you get good services. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
6 upvotes
9 Replies
Joshua Evans
This.
36 upvotes
Adeline S.
Public transit is tough here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I genuinely enjoy living here.
34 upvotes
Kathleen H.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Internet is underrated in most areas.
33 upvotes
Kaylee Cruz
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from Nashville about 15 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Strong job market in several industries
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are affordable, gas is excellent.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
23 upvotes
Daniel R.
hmm interesting perspective
17 upvotes
Theodore Reed
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 15 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the East side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
15 upvotes
Madeline 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 10 years. Moved from Miami for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2018 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. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. construction 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:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is pretty good - 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 hit or miss. 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. Property taxes are high. Can feel isolated. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 7/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
14 upvotes
Adeline King
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 11 years ago from San Francisco and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Eastside. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 16 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like sushi.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
11 upvotes
Rylee
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Meadowbrook for 9 years. Moved from San Francisco for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is excellent - 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. Meadowbrook schools are surprisingly 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Nightlife is limited. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 6/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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