Rent vs buy in Hillcrest Heights -what makes sense?
Hi all, I'm a teacher here and Household incomes average around $77,696 in Hillcrest Heights. The food scene here is surprisingly good. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Am I wrong here? It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
15 upvotes
8 Replies
Nevaeh Reyes
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 44, moved here 14 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in Riverside and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The food scene situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for retirees. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 Nashville, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $50K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
37 upvotes
Adrian Ward
Public transit is better than expected here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
35 upvotes
Grace K.
Public transit is surprisingly good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I genuinely enjoy living here.
25 upvotes
Emily G.
bump
23 upvotes
Leo P.
wish I knew this sooner
14 upvotes
Roger M.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The outdoor recreation is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Uptown) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Atlanta, be prepared for the culture shock. job 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.
13 upvotes
Jordan Wilson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Cedar Grove for 13 years. Moved from Phoenix for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. hospitality 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 was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is average - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Cedar Grove 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. Property taxes are high. Limited entertainment options. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 5/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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