Not sure if this has been asked before, but I'm originally from Denver and Poverty rate is 1.2%, which is pretty low. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Is this normal for Hampton? The suburbs are where most families end up. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
0 upvotes
8 Replies
Camila Brown
couldn't agree more
34 upvotes
Kai S.
Moved here from LA about 10 years ago. I love the pace of life here. Still getting used to cost of living but It's not for everyone but it works for us..
27 upvotes
Emmett
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from LA about 11 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Active local events and festivals
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Winters are long and cold
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are stable, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
27 upvotes
Naomi Myers
glad someone said it
19 upvotes
Waylon Hernandez
Can confirm, been here 13 years.
12 upvotes
Philip L.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 1 years. Moved from Denver for a job opportunity. 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 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have hiking trails 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 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Homeless population growing downtown. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 8/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
11 upvotes
Ezekiel Evans
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 8 years. Moved from Portland for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2015 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. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have hiking 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 underrated. 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. Urban sprawl is real. Road conditions need improvement. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 9/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
9 upvotes
Amelia Nelson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 49, moved here 4 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in Springfield and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Affordable housing options
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The food scene situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for young professionals. surprisingly good 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 Atlanta, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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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