First post here. Poverty rate is 12.9%, which is around average. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Thanks!
11 upvotes
12 Replies
Rylee Castillo
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are pretty good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
38 upvotes
Jayden Chavez
hmm interesting perspective
36 upvotes
nyc_peyton
couldn't agree more
34 upvotes
Miles Walker
As someone who grew up here, I genuinely enjoy living here. A lot has changed in the past few years though. cost of living used to be much reasonable but now it's better than expected.
28 upvotes
Mackenzie Gutierrez
same here
28 upvotes
christian_soul
noted, appreciate it
22 upvotes
santiago_native
I've lived in West for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from Charlotte, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The housing market scene is average
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for young professionals. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
14 upvotes
Allison B.
Bought a house here in 2015 and it's not perfect but it works for me. Property values have gone about the same since then.
8 upvotes
Matthew Ramirez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value school system, you'll love it. The community vibe is genuinely better than expected and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Lakewood) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Raleigh, be prepared for the culture shock. housing market is completely different here. And Not very walkable outside downtown.
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.
7 upvotes
Alice Phillips
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. it's exactly what I was looking for. Compared to Charlotte it's hit or miss.
3 upvotes
Jameson Chavez
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are solid, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
2 upvotes
Leo Parker
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 14 years. Moved from Houston for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. real estate 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:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is average - 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. Pine Hills schools are excellent. 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Far from beaches/mountains. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 7/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
All Countries
