Hey folks, The median home value here is around $361,500, which seems about average. Any advice would be great. Appreciate any input.
8 upvotes
8 Replies
Ezekiel Ross
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 28, moved here 11 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Springfield and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Close to major attractions
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The pet-friendliness situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for retirees. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$110K 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.
40 upvotes
Benjamin Cooper
big facts right here
34 upvotes
Walter M.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 6 years ago from Salt Lake City and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Lakewood. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 8 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like Asian.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
32 upvotes
jaxon_heart
I've been living here for 7 years and I'd say it's not perfect but it works for me. The healthcare is underrated compared to other places I've lived. Overall Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
26 upvotes
Emilia
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Tampa about 5 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good schools in most areas
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Urban sprawl is real
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are competitive, gas is decent.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. No regrets on my end..
25 upvotes
fresno_zoey
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 Minneapolis for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have desert landscapes 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 average. 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. Winters are long and cold. Homeless population growing downtown. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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