Curious what people think. I'm a college student here and Crime rate is something to consider — Kent sits at 371.0 per 100K. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. What do you all think? The suburbs are where most families end up. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
54 upvotes
8 Replies
Allison Patel
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value nightlife, you'll love it. The cultural scene is genuinely improving and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Oak Park) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Miami, be prepared for the culture shock. nightlife is completely different here. And Chain restaurants dominate.
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.
36 upvotes
Isaac Howard
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 10 years ago from Baltimore 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 The Heights. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in education you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 8 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
34 upvotes
Nora Morris
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Phoenix about 11 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Affordable housing options
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are developing, gas is pretty good.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Good luck with whatever you decide..
13 upvotes
Jaxon Morris
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 4 years. Moved from Raleigh for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is solid - 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. Pine Hills schools are surprisingly good. 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Limited entertainment options. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
12 upvotes
Colton Allen
underrated comment
9 upvotes
Nicholas Hall
seconding this
4 upvotes
Claire Allen
As someone who grew up here, I genuinely enjoy living here. A lot has changed in the past few years though. school system used to be much affordable but now it's excellent.
2 upvotes
Jackson Diaz
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Houston about 10 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Close to major attractions
- Diverse dining options
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are growing, gas is average.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
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