Hey folks, Household incomes average around $94,654 in Golden Hills. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Would love some local perspective.
1 upvotes
7 Replies
Autumn Anderson
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 9 years ago from Austin and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in East. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in marketing. If you're in manufacturing you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 16 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like Mediterranean.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
39 upvotes
Mia Turner
Weather-wise, the summers are improving and winters are pricey. You get used to it after the first year.
35 upvotes
Ethan Williams
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 9 years. Moved from Raleigh for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. 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 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
healthcare 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 improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have biking trails 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Not very walkable outside downtown. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 5/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
21 upvotes
Julian B.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 12 years ago from Portland and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Maple Ridge. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in marketing. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 6 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like seafood.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
9 upvotes
Maya Cruz
honestly same experience here
6 upvotes
Audrey P.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 48, moved here 9 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Downtown and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Active local events and festivals
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited entertainment options
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The weather situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for remote workers. challenging vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$140K 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.
6 upvotes
Nathan Wood
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want job market, then yeah this place is great. But if cost of living matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
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