Hey folks, My partner and I are Average temperature is around 55--F, so expect cold winters. Poverty rate is 8.9%, which is pretty low. Crime rate is something to consider -Kearny sits at 130.7 per 100K. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
28 upvotes
10 Replies
chicago_emma
wish I knew this sooner
37 upvotes
Jaxon Morgan
+1
34 upvotes
Silas White
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 56, moved here 15 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Lakewood and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Decent public transit for the size
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited shopping options
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The food scene situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for singles. surprisingly 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 Baltimore, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $100K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
26 upvotes
Adam James
I've lived in Pine Hills for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from LA, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Active local events and festivals
- The safety scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for couples. No regrets on my end..
23 upvotes
Sophia Lee
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are challenging, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
18 upvotes
noah_native
Used to live on the Riverside side, now on the Midtown side. Completely different vibe. I have mixed feelings honestly.
15 upvotes
Asher Peterson
accurate
14 upvotes
Skylar Reed
Used to live on the Sunset side, now on the Greenfield side. Completely different vibe. I love the pace of life here.
13 upvotes
Mateo Thompson
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 11 years ago from Baltimore and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Lakewood. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in government. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 7 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like sushi.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
12 upvotes
Madelyn Chavez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Minneapolis about 12 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Active local events and festivals
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are developing, gas is excellent.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Good luck with whatever you decide..
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