Hello, The median home value here is around $161,300, which is actually reasonable. Homes are going for about $161,300 on average. Poverty rate is 7.0%, which is pretty low. The unemployment rate is 2.8%, which is pretty low. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Am I overthinking this? The weather takes some getting used to. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
8 upvotes
9 Replies
Alexa 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 11 years. Moved from Charlotte for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2020 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. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
construction 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:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is solid - 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 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Can feel isolated. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
40 upvotes
Ezra Collins
100%
39 upvotes
Scarlett Baker
I work in retail here and I love the pace of life here. The job market for my field is pretty good. Definitely worth checking out..
36 upvotes
Natalie H.
glad someone said it
29 upvotes
urban_melanie64
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value public transit, you'll love it. The cultural scene is genuinely better than expected and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Riverside) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Portland, be prepared for the culture shock. nightlife is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
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.
27 upvotes
James Lopez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 5 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Greenfield side vs the Cedar Grove side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
25 upvotes
Leo Turner
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 39, moved here 9 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Summers can be brutally hot
3. The weather situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for retirees. average 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 Austin, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$130K 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.
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