Average temperature is around 53--F, so expect cold winters. Crime rate is something to consider -Holbrook sits at 22.0 per 100K. The weather takes some getting used to. Thoughts? Any help is appreciated. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
4 upvotes
26 Replies
Paisley
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from Houston about 11 years ago. The main reasons were school and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Affordable housing options
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are stable, gas is tough.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Happy to answer more specific questions..
39 upvotes
Kayla W.
I'm a electrician and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. The community is better than expected and there's always something going on.
37 upvotes
Olivia A.
preach
36 upvotes
Benjamin
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I genuinely enjoy living here. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
34 upvotes
Angel Reyes
Hot take but there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. I know a lot of people disagree but after 12 years here, that's my honest assessment.
31 upvotes
Kai Hall
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is cultural scene. it was the best decision I ever made. Worth doing your research before committing.
28 upvotes
Jacob R.
Moved here last year, no regrets.
25 upvotes
Wesley Torres
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value dating scene, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely tough and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (Westside) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Pittsburgh, be prepared for the culture shock. traffic is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
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.
24 upvotes
Isabella C.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 7 years ago from Denver and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Sunset. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in retail. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 10 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like sushi.
No regrets on my end..
22 upvotes
Axel Hill
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The community vibe is genuinely average and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (Maple Ridge) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Diego, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
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.
22 upvotes
Mason Smith
great question, following
22 upvotes
atl_adeline
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 36, moved here 3 years ago from LA. I've lived in Highland and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The school system situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for young professionals. solid vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 LA, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $70K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
21 upvotes
Avery Kelly
haha yep pretty much
20 upvotes
Liam
I've been living here for 5 years and I'd say it's not perfect but it works for me. The food scene is average compared to other places I've lived. Overall Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
19 upvotes
Bella Brown
Hot take but I have mixed feelings honestly. I know a lot of people disagree but after 13 years here, that's my honest assessment.
18 upvotes
Riley Diaz
Moved here last year, no regrets.
17 upvotes
Declan Cook
Bought a house here in 2021 and I love the pace of life here. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
15 upvotes
houstonheart2024
I work in tech here and I genuinely enjoy living here. The job market for my field is excellent. No regrets on my end..
15 upvotes
Angel
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want healthcare, then yeah this place is great. But if cultural scene matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
14 upvotes
Everly Foster
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from Raleigh about 11 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Strong job market in several industries
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Can feel isolated
- Bugs and humidity in summer
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 wild, gas is average.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Happy to answer more specific questions..
10 upvotes
dc_christian
Came here for my partner's job and stayed because I have mixed feelings honestly. The healthcare is honestly excellent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
9 upvotes
Peter R.
I've lived in Pine Hills for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Minneapolis, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Four distinct seasons
- The nightlife scene is solid
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for remote workers. Good luck with whatever you decide..
7 upvotes
Kennedy Reed
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 32, moved here 6 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Oak Park and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Nightlife is limited
3. The safety situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for retirees. pretty good 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 Tampa, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $90K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
6 upvotes
Isabelle Brooks
Moved here from Pittsburgh about 12 years ago. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Still getting used to job market but Good luck with whatever you decide..
3 upvotes
Karen P.
facts
2 upvotes
Alexa Bennett
I'm a HR manager and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. The community is surprisingly good and there's always something going on.
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