I'm retired and You can expect to pay around $1,555 for rent here. What neighborhoods would you suggest?
20 upvotes
11 Replies
Nancy B.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 8 years ago from Raleigh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Pine Hills. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in finance. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 12 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like Indian.
No regrets on my end..
40 upvotes
Henry J.
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 4 years. Moved from Dallas for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. tech 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 exactly what I was looking for. 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 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. Rising rent and home prices. Not very walkable outside downtown. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
36 upvotes
madeline_rider
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Miami about 4 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Affordable housing options
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are developing, gas is solid.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
32 upvotes
Claire Walker
couldn't agree more
23 upvotes
Kayden T.
This.
16 upvotes
Jack O.
I've lived in Sunset for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from New York, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good healthcare facilities
- The cultural scene scene is tough
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for singles. No regrets on my end..
16 upvotes
Sofia Lopez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 44, moved here 4 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Fairview and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally underrated - 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 weather situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for remote workers. average 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 Minneapolis, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $50K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
10 upvotes
Ruby Kim
yep
8 upvotes
Wesley R.
I've lived in Highland for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Phoenix, I was surprised by safety. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Decent public transit for the size
- The outdoor recreation scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for families. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
8 upvotes
Quinn Foster
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Portland about 6 years ago. The main reasons were family and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Lots of new development happening
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Winters are long and cold
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are established, gas is challenging.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. No regrets on my end..