Curious what people think. I grew up here but left for a while. Crime rate is something to consider -La Quinta sits at 161.7 per 100K. The median home value here is around $612,800, which is pretty steep. You can expect to pay around $1,747 for rent here. Average temperature is around 76--F, so it's warm year-round. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Should I be concerned? Appreciate any input. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The city has invested a lot in new development. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
5 upvotes
12 Replies
Matthew Evans
underrated comment
40 upvotes
vegaslover2022
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it exceeded my expectations. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
40 upvotes
Reagan S.
+1
37 upvotes
Michael P.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 5 years. Moved from Houston for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Downtown 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. Winters are long and cold. Homeless population growing downtown. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 8/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
35 upvotes
Isaac Lopez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 56, moved here 8 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in West and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The safety situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for singles. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 Nashville, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $100K-$80K 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.
35 upvotes
Madelyn Mendoza
I've been living here for 12 years and I'd say I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The pet-friendliness is better than expected compared to other places I've lived. Overall Good luck with whatever you decide..
28 upvotes
Isabella C.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 53, moved here 5 years ago from New York. I've lived in Uptown and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Close to major attractions
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The housing market situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for retirees. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 New York, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
27 upvotes
Isaiah Miller
I'm a electrician and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The community is tough and there's always something going on.
24 upvotes
Paisley Harris
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want weather, then yeah this place is great. But if cost of living matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
19 upvotes
Peyton Edwards
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 6 years. Moved from Denver for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have national forests 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 pretty 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. Limited high-paying job options. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
18 upvotes
Adam N.
big facts right here
9 upvotes
Aaron Cox
Public transit is improving here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
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