Hey everyone, Military spouse here. Am I overthinking this? The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
12 upvotes
9 Replies
Evan
Moved here from Seattle about 8 years ago. it's exactly what I was looking for. Still getting used to walkability but Would recommend to anyone considering it..
39 upvotes
Serenity Sanders
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 15 years ago from Austin and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Sunset. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in manufacturing. If you're in finance you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 10 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like Italian.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
34 upvotes
Ariana
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 27, moved here 4 years ago from Denver. I've lived in Old Town and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The nightlife situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for retirees. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 Denver, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $80K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
24 upvotes
Emilia Morris
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value housing market, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely better than expected and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Uptown) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Pittsburgh, be prepared for the culture shock. housing market is completely different here. And Road conditions need improvement.
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.
21 upvotes
Camila
We moved here with our family and I genuinely enjoy living here. Schools in Pine Hills area are challenging. Kids love it here.
19 upvotes
Anna Gutierrez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 11 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The East side vs the Springfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
16 upvotes
Wyatt Roberts
Can confirm, been here 3 years.
15 upvotes
Hailey Martin
preach
12 upvotes
Abigail Green
I've lived in North for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Nashville, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Strong job market in several industries
- The weather scene is tough
The downsides:
- Homeless population growing downtown
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for singles. Hope this helps!.