Not sure if this has been asked before, but I relocated for work and Median household income is $81,502, which feels pretty solid for the area. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Thoughts? Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
54 upvotes
14 Replies
Natalie C.
I've lived in Pine Hills for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The nightlife scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for couples. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
40 upvotes
Marie G.
Used to live on the Meadowbrook side, now on the Cedar Grove side. Completely different vibe. it was the best decision I ever made.
24 upvotes
Oliver P.
We moved here with our family and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Schools in Sunset area are hit or miss. Kids love it here.
20 upvotes
Wesley Richardson
Bought a house here in 2016 and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Property values have gone about the same since then.
18 upvotes
Hailey B.
hard disagree but ok
16 upvotes
Cora Perez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 55, moved here 10 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Eastside and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Limited shopping options
3. The food scene situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for families. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $50K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
16 upvotes
Alice J.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Eastside for 11 years. Moved from Chicago for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2019 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. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. construction 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:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is better than expected - 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. Eastside 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Road conditions need improvement. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 6/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
14 upvotes
Keith F.
+1
10 upvotes
Jayden Bennett
I've been living here for 8 years and I'd say it was the best decision I ever made. The school system is decent compared to other places I've lived. Overall Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
9 upvotes
Scarlett Baker
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 27, moved here 8 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in East and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Limited public transit options
3. The dating scene situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for families. hit or miss 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 developing. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $80K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
6 upvotes
Samuel Y.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 48, moved here 6 years ago from New York. I've lived in East and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The job market situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for young professionals. tough vibes, walkable.
- North: 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 New York, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is stable. 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.
6 upvotes
Aubrey Thomas
underrated comment
5 upvotes
Willow Williams
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 27, moved here 7 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Oak Park and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Strong sense of community
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The pet-friendliness situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for remote workers. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 Phoenix, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $50K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
4 upvotes
Ava
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 27, moved here 5 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Springfield and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Property taxes are high
3. The community vibe situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for couples. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
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