I grew up here but left for a while. The unemployment rate is 3.7%, which is pretty low. Rent is about $1,277/month for a decent place. With a population of 13,002, Holly Hill is a small town. Homes are going for about $168,600 on average. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The suburbs are where most families end up. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The suburbs are where most families end up. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
8 upvotes
12 Replies
bostonnative2020
interesting, hadn't considered that
40 upvotes
Ethan Morris
bump
38 upvotes
Michael Morris
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 housing market is genuinely decent and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (The Heights) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Boston, be prepared for the culture shock. school system 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.
35 upvotes
Peyton Phillips
Saving this thread
34 upvotes
Victoria B.
couldn't agree more
33 upvotes
gianna_guy
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 5 years ago from Atlanta and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Pine Hills. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in government. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 16 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like Italian.
Hope this helps!.
31 upvotes
Adam Adams
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 48, moved here 1 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Springfield and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The cost of living situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for young professionals. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 Boston, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$80K 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.
30 upvotes
Adam R.
been saying this for years
23 upvotes
Hannah Davis
nah I disagree
19 upvotes
Vincent J.
We moved here with our family and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Schools in Westside area are improving. Kids love it here.
19 upvotes
Jack
I work in consulting here and it's been a really good experience overall. The job market for my field is challenging. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
14 upvotes
Gianna Cox
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 55, moved here 5 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The community vibe situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for remote workers. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 Dallas, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $80K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
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