Crime rate is something to consider -Hilo sits at 1,821.2 per 100K. Median household income is $78,713, which feels about average for the area. Average temperature is around 74--F, so it's warm year-round. It's a a smaller city city with about 48,223 people. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The weather takes some getting used to. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. What neighborhoods would you suggest? There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
19 upvotes
10 Replies
Joshua
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from Seattle about 10 years ago. The main reasons were work and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Four distinct seasons
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Nightlife is limited
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are pricey, gas is underrated.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
39 upvotes
indy_andrew
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 31, moved here 6 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Sunset and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The housing market situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for remote workers. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 Tampa, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$70K 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.
38 upvotes
la_joshua
noted, appreciate it
37 upvotes
Carol C.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 7 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Springfield side vs the Highland side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
26 upvotes
Eliana H.
Totally agree!
22 upvotes
Xavier Smith
seconding this
21 upvotes
Helen W.
I'm a lawyer and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. The community is solid and there's always something going on.
6 upvotes
Bruce H.
Used to live on the The Heights side, now on the Eastside side. Completely different vibe. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
6 upvotes
Angel
Came here for cost of living and stayed because it's not perfect but it works for me. The housing market is honestly underrated and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
5 upvotes
James O.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Chicago about 14 years ago. The main reasons were school and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Active local events and festivals
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are pricey, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Hope this helps!.
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