Random thought, The unemployment rate is 2.4%, which is pretty low. With a population of 52,141, Kendale Lakes is a smaller city. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
6 upvotes
5 Replies
Leonardo Ramirez
exactly what I was thinking
28 upvotes
Carson Reed
spot on
26 upvotes
Jaxon Sanchez
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 13 years. Moved from Tampa for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have rivers 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 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Urban sprawl is real. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
14 upvotes
luke_fan
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value safety, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely average and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (The Heights) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Chicago, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Limited high-paying job 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.
9 upvotes
Willow M.
Came here for school and stayed because I love the pace of life here. The weather is honestly better than expected and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
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