Hi all, I grew up here but left for a while. The unemployment rate is 4.5%, which is about average. With a population of 13,866, Kettering is a small town. The suburbs are where most families end up. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The weather takes some getting used to. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The city has invested a lot in new development. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
9 upvotes
13 Replies
Billy R.
Came here for cost of living and stayed because it exceeded my expectations. The public transit is honestly pretty good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
36 upvotes
austin_lillian
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 44, moved here 11 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in Riverside and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Affordable housing options
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Urban sprawl is real
3. The cost of living situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for retirees. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Sunset: 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 Charlotte, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $60K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
32 upvotes
Bella Clark
As someone who grew up here, I love the pace of life here. A lot has changed in the past few years though. dating scene used to be much wild but now it's challenging.
32 upvotes
Jerry A.
As someone who grew up here, I'm still on the fence after all this time. A lot has changed in the past few years though. healthcare used to be much developing but now it's hit or miss.
29 upvotes
Camila Brown
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Internet is improving in most areas.
28 upvotes
Wesley R.
this is the way
26 upvotes
Nathan Chavez
Hot take but it exceeded my expectations. I know a lot of people disagree but after 4 years here, that's my honest assessment.
23 upvotes
Declan Long
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value food scene, you'll love it. The cost of living is genuinely tough and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (Oak Park) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Atlanta, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare is completely different here. And Limited shopping 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.
23 upvotes
Delilah Cruz
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 11 years. Moved from Nashville for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. consulting 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:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is solid - 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. Nightlife is limited. Not very walkable outside downtown. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
20 upvotes
Jean H.
I work in tech here and it was the best decision I ever made. The job market for my field is excellent. Definitely worth checking out..
19 upvotes
William Taylor
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 14 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Greenfield side vs the South side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
16 upvotes
Cora T.
Used to live on the Highland side, now on the East side. Completely different vibe. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
5 upvotes
Jack Hughes
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are better than expected, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
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