So, We have two kids and Homes are going for about $248,300 on average. Rent is about $975/month for a decent place. The suburbs are where most families end up. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Am I overthinking this?
25 upvotes
12 Replies
Ryan Garcia
Used to live on the North side, now on the Downtown side. Completely different vibe. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
32 upvotes
Jack Kelly
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. I genuinely enjoy living here. Compared to Baltimore it's solid.
31 upvotes
Leo
Used to live on the Greenfield side, now on the Highland side. Completely different vibe. the quality of life is solid.
30 upvotes
alice_heart
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 14 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into running, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The The Heights side vs the Cedar Grove side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
28 upvotes
Evan Nguyen
100%
25 upvotes
Carter Castillo
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Midtown for 5 years. Moved from LA for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is improving - 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. Midtown 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Limited high-paying job options. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 6/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
19 upvotes
Ethan
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Chicago about 12 years ago. The main reasons were family and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good schools in most areas
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are manageable, gas is excellent.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Happy to answer more specific questions..
16 upvotes
Valentina Hall
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's not perfect but it works for me. Internet is challenging in most areas.
15 upvotes
minneapolis_isabella
Came here for weather and stayed because it exceeded my expectations. The school system is honestly decent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
7 upvotes
Savannah Harris
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Phoenix about 13 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Good internet infrastructure
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Nightlife is limited
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are competitive, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Definitely worth checking out..
3 upvotes
Naomi Young
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 5 years. Moved from New York for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. hospitality 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:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is average - we have mountains 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 surprisingly good. 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. Urban sprawl is real. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 8/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
1 upvotes
Maya T.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Chicago about 2 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Lots of new development happening
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Winters are long and cold
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are growing, gas is solid.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Happy to answer more specific questions..