Not sure if this has been asked before, but We're a young couple and Median household income is $134,744, which feels pretty solid for the area. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The weather takes some getting used to. Let me know your thoughts. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
15 upvotes
11 Replies
Axel D.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's been a really good experience overall. Good luck with whatever you decide..
40 upvotes
Kai Turner
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 45, moved here 5 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in South and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The healthcare situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for families. average vibes, walkable.
- North: 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 tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $70K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
40 upvotes
Eliana Carter
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are average, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
34 upvotes
Reagan Alvarez
Weather-wise, the summers are pretty good and winters are manageable. You get used to it after the first year.
31 upvotes
Charles H.
This.
29 upvotes
Kai Jones
We moved here with our family and it's exactly what I was looking for. Schools in Meadowbrook area are hit or miss. Kids love it here.
23 upvotes
Genesis Brooks
I've lived in Pine Hills for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's not perfect but it works for me. When I first moved here from Denver, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The food scene scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Limited high-paying job options
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for retirees. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
21 upvotes
Steven M.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 9 years ago from Pittsburgh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Westside. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in tech. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 15 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like Mexican.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
18 upvotes
Stella Phillips
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from LA about 14 years ago. The main reasons were work and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Active local events and festivals
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are stable, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Hope this helps!.
10 upvotes
Nora Long
spot on
10 upvotes
Leah Baker
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in West for 10 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2018 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. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. tech 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:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is solid - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. West schools are average. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Far from beaches/mountains. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 7/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
All Countries
