Hey everyone, Military spouse here. Household incomes average around $90,416 in Kent. The suburbs are where most families end up. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Should I be concerned? Thanks in advance! There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The suburbs are where most families end up. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
15 upvotes
13 Replies
Xavier Morris
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value school system, you'll love it. The outdoor recreation is genuinely improving and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (South) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Dallas, be prepared for the culture shock. safety is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
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.
34 upvotes
Ethan F.
Bought a house here in 2022 and I genuinely enjoy living here. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
27 upvotes
Sarah Lewis
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 24, moved here 4 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in South and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Nightlife is limited
3. The public transit situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for remote workers. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $100K-$90K 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.
23 upvotes
Elizabeth Gutierrez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 8 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into running, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The The Heights side vs the Riverside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
20 upvotes
Liam Gutierrez
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. I have mixed feelings honestly. Compared to San Diego it's challenging.
19 upvotes
Harper Richardson
Totally agree!
19 upvotes
Kayden W.
Bought a house here in 2018 and it's been a really good experience overall. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
18 upvotes
Leo Kelly
I've lived in Pine Hills for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Tampa, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Diverse dining options
- The weather scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for families. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
15 upvotes
Reagan Adams
preach
15 upvotes
Samuel F.
following this thread
11 upvotes
Adrian Murphy
We moved here with our family and I love the pace of life here. Schools in Riverside area are solid. Kids love it here.
7 upvotes
Kayden C.
spot on
6 upvotes
Jose Hernandez
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. it's exactly what I was looking for. Compared to New York it's underrated.
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