OK so My family moved here when I was a kid. Household incomes average around $83,212 in Kearny. Poverty rate is 8.9%, which is pretty low. With a population of 40,570, Kearny is a smaller city. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Anyone in a similar situation? It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The city has invested a lot in new development. The weather takes some getting used to. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The food scene here is surprisingly good. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
12 upvotes
6 Replies
Eli Kelly
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's been a really good experience overall. Hope this helps!.
39 upvotes
Claire Rivera
Public transit is better than expected here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
38 upvotes
Mason W.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Pine Hills for 10 years. Moved from Austin for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. legal 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 improving - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Pine Hills schools are underrated. 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 walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
29 upvotes
Addison Brooks
The food scene here is average. Tons of great Italian places. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
24 upvotes
Sadie Patel
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 54, moved here 6 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Highland and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
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. Limited high-paying job options
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The cultural scene situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for singles. solid vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 Houston, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$70K 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.
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