OK so I've been here for 17 years and Median household income is $137,906, which feels pretty solid for the area.
29 upvotes
17 Replies
Aaliyah Cook
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 Baltimore for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have rivers 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 challenging. 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. Dating scene is rough. Far from beaches/mountains. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 6/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
37 upvotes
Robert Jones
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 35, moved here 12 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Maple Ridge and West, 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 tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The weather situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for remote workers. solid vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 Seattle, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $60K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
36 upvotes
Elijah Bennett
Totally agree!
34 upvotes
Waylon
The food scene here is better than expected. Tons of great sushi places. the quality of life is solid.
33 upvotes
Skylar Ortiz
My experience has been mostly positive. I love the pace of life here. The only thing I'd watch out for is traffic. Other than that, Would recommend to anyone considering it..
30 upvotes
Melanie Parker
I've lived in Springfield for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from Houston, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Lots of new development happening
- Four distinct seasons
- The traffic scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Nightlife is limited
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for singles. Definitely worth checking out..
30 upvotes
Leo M.
I've lived in Cedar Grove for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Tampa, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- The traffic scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Limited shopping options
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for singles. No regrets on my end..
26 upvotes
Gabriella Rogers
We moved here with our family and it's been a really good experience overall. Schools in Pine Hills area are improving. Kids love it here.
26 upvotes
Piper H.
nah I disagree
24 upvotes
Everett Flores
Moved here last year, no regrets.
23 upvotes
Mason C.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value housing market, you'll love it. The pet-friendliness is genuinely underrated and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Oak Park) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Baltimore, be prepared for the culture shock. traffic is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
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.
20 upvotes
Kennedy White
I've lived in Downtown for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Houston, 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
- Decent public transit for the size
- The job market scene is solid
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for singles. Happy to answer more specific questions..
18 upvotes
local_lucas59
not my experience at all
15 upvotes
Rylee Foster
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 13 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. government 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 was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is improving - 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. North schools are solid. 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 public transit options. Limited high-paying job options. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
11 upvotes
Peyton Carter
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 12 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Midtown side vs the Cedar Grove side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.