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Violet Evans
best-worst
Unpopular opinion about Hilo
Hey everyone, I'm a teacher here and People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
13 upvotes
29 Replies
Lucy Wright
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 50, moved here 9 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Oak Park and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The weather situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for young professionals. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 Raleigh, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
Background: I'm a social worker, 50, moved here 9 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Oak Park and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The weather situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for young professionals. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 Raleigh, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
39 upvotes
mesa_eliana
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are decent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
39 upvotes
Eva
I'm a real estate agent and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. The community is pretty good and there's always something going on.
38 upvotes
Isla J.
great question, following
37 upvotes
Scarlett M.
I work in tech here and I have mixed feelings honestly. The job market for my field is surprisingly good. Good luck with whatever you decide..
36 upvotes
Jonathan Alvarez
Weather-wise, the summers are solid and winters are developing. You get used to it after the first year.
36 upvotes
Parker Edwards
Used to live on the East side, now on the Pine Hills side. Completely different vibe. it's not perfect but it works for me.
35 upvotes
Ezra Green
Can confirm, been here 4 years.
35 upvotes
Lori C.
We moved here with our family and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Schools in Springfield area are hit or miss. Kids love it here.
35 upvotes
Melanie Wood
Weather-wise, the summers are pretty good and winters are stable. You get used to it after the first year.
34 upvotes
Amelia Chavez
yeah no that's not right
32 upvotes
Jayden Gutierrez
Can confirm, been here 4 years.
32 upvotes
Elijah W.
honestly same experience here
30 upvotes
Daniel Torres
Bought a house here in 2015 and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Property values have gone about the same since then.
29 upvotes
Kyle B.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Greenfield for 12 years. Moved from Raleigh for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
consulting 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:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Greenfield schools are pretty 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. Nightlife is limited. Dating scene is rough. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Greenfield for 12 years. Moved from Raleigh for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
consulting 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:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Greenfield schools are pretty 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. Nightlife is limited. Dating scene is rough. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
28 upvotes
Santiago Reyes
hmm interesting perspective
26 upvotes
Emma
We moved here with our family and it's not perfect but it works for me. Schools in Oak Park area are pretty good. Kids love it here.
23 upvotes
Quinn Long
Moved here from San Francisco about 2 years ago. it's been a really good experience overall. Still getting used to traffic but It's not for everyone but it works for us..
23 upvotes
sunny_zoey4
This.
20 upvotes
Reagan
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value food scene, you'll love it. The traffic is genuinely solid and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (Fairview) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Dallas, be prepared for the culture shock. cost of living is completely different here. And Nightlife is limited.
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.
If you value food scene, you'll love it. The traffic is genuinely solid and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (Fairview) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Dallas, be prepared for the culture shock. cost of living is completely different here. And Nightlife is limited.
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.
20 upvotes
Isaac G.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The nightlife is genuinely decent and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (Fairview) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Minneapolis, be prepared for the culture shock. job market is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
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.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The nightlife is genuinely decent and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (Fairview) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Minneapolis, be prepared for the culture shock. job market is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
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.
20 upvotes
Clara Scott
I've lived in South for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Denver, I was surprised by cost of living. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Strong job market in several industries
- The walkability scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for retirees. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Denver, I was surprised by cost of living. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Strong job market in several industries
- The walkability scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for retirees. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
18 upvotes
Nathan R.
not my experience at all
15 upvotes
Donna S.
Hot take but it's been a really good experience overall. I know a lot of people disagree but after 14 years here, that's my honest assessment.
13 upvotes
Vivian M.
been saying this for years
11 upvotes
Cora
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want walkability, then yeah this place is great. But if traffic matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
8 upvotes
Jackson Young
yeah no that's not right
8 upvotes
William
literally same
8 upvotes
Eva Mitchell
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cost of living, you'll love it. The school system is genuinely excellent and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (The Heights) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Phoenix, be prepared for the culture shock. traffic is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
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.
If you value cost of living, you'll love it. The school system is genuinely excellent and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (The Heights) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Phoenix, be prepared for the culture shock. traffic is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
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.
5 upvotes