Alright, I'm a teacher here and The median home value here is around $411,900, which is pretty steep. Average temperature is around 70--F, so the weather is moderate. With a population of 7,210, Lake Lorraine is a small town. The city has invested a lot in new development. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The weather takes some getting used to. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
Pros:
- Friendly people
- Diverse community
- Low taxes
- Lots of new development
Cons:
- Limited nightlife
- Lack of diversity
- Chain restaurants dominate
Thoughts? Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. 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. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The weather takes some getting used to. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The city has invested a lot in new development. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The city has invested a lot in new development. Property taxes are high but you get good services. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The suburbs are where most families end up. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The weather takes some getting used to. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
1 upvotes
15 Replies
Mason Sanders
lol so true
35 upvotes
Jonathan Ramirez
wish I knew this sooner
35 upvotes
Joshua
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 40, moved here 14 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in East and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The cultural scene situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for families. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 Raleigh, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $70K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
34 upvotes
Kaylee Walker
Public transit is challenging here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
34 upvotes
Audrey T.
I've lived in Pine Hills for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from LA, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Strong job market in several industries
- The public transit scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Limited high-paying job options
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for couples. Hope this helps!.
25 upvotes
Evan G.
interesting, hadn't considered that
24 upvotes
Allison Richardson
underrated comment
20 upvotes
Kennedy Long
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are pretty good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
18 upvotes
Ian G.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are underrated, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
17 upvotes
Ryan W.
As someone who grew up here, it's not perfect but it works for me. A lot has changed in the past few years though. public transit used to be much manageable but now it's tough.
16 upvotes
Lillian R.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Greenfield for 2 years. Moved from Dallas for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2017 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:**
hospitality is strong here. real estate 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 have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is improving - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Greenfield 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. Property taxes are high. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 6/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
12 upvotes
Jayden T.
hmm interesting perspective
11 upvotes
Mason
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 8 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is nightlife. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Eastside side vs the East side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
9 upvotes
Dylan J.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Portland about 14 years ago. The main reasons were family and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Active local events and festivals
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are manageable, gas is decent.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Hope this helps!.
3 upvotes
austin_ellie
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Old Town for 14 years. Moved from Boston for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. 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. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. engineering 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:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Old Town 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. Limited high-paying job options. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
All Countries
