I grew up here but left for a while. Crime rate is something to consider -Kaiminani sits at 232.1 per 100K. The suburbs are where most families end up. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Should I be concerned? The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
13 upvotes
15 Replies
John Roberts
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from Boston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Highland. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in government. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 17 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like Southern.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
37 upvotes
Lucas Thomas
Weather-wise, the summers are excellent and winters are established. You get used to it after the first year.
36 upvotes
Henry Smith
As someone who grew up here, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. A lot has changed in the past few years though. cost of living used to be much manageable but now it's average.
34 upvotes
Aurora Brown
as a local I can confirm
28 upvotes
Jordan L.
not my experience at all
24 upvotes
Mason Price
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 job market is genuinely excellent and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (Old Town) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Miami, be prepared for the culture shock. community vibe 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.
21 upvotes
Valentina
Public transit is underrated here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
20 upvotes
Roman Martin
not my experience at all
17 upvotes
Cora Moore
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Uptown for 14 years. Moved from Miami for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth about the same 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:**
consulting is strong here. finance 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:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Uptown schools are hit or miss. 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. Urban sprawl is real. Bugs and humidity in summer. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
16 upvotes
Serenity J.
I work in real estate here and I love the pace of life here. The job market for my field is challenging. Good luck with whatever you decide..
14 upvotes
Savannah Bailey
this is the way
10 upvotes
Miles King
couldn't agree more
9 upvotes
Isaiah
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 3 years. Moved from Dallas for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Downtown schools are decent. 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Can feel isolated. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
9 upvotes
Ryan Davis
The food scene here is underrated. Tons of great craft beer places. it's exactly what I was looking for.
5 upvotes
sf_delilah
My experience has been mostly positive. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The only thing I'd watch out for is food scene. Other than that, It's not for everyone but it works for us..
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