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Mackenzie B. living

Raising a family in Live Oak -thoughts?

Not sure if this has been asked before, but I'm a teacher here and Crime rate is something to consider -Live O
9 upvotes

7 Replies

Lily Miller
I'm a lawyer and I've found it exceeded my expectations. The community is tough and there's always something going on.
40 upvotes
Hudson Flores
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want community vibe, then yeah this place is great. But if housing market matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
34 upvotes
tulsawalker2024
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.

If you value housing market, you'll love it. The pet-friendliness is genuinely improving and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (Midtown) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.

But if you're coming from Raleigh, be prepared for the culture shock. job market is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.

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.
27 upvotes
Jose Hughes
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.

If you value healthcare, you'll love it. The community vibe is genuinely better than expected and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (Cedar Grove) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.

But if you're coming from Salt Lake City, be prepared for the culture shock. food scene is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.

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.
19 upvotes
Alexa
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 14 years ago from Minneapolis and here's my honest breakdown:

Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Midtown. It's decent for what you get.

Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in retail. If you're in marketing you might struggle.

People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 13 months to build a solid friend group.

Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like Thai.

Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
15 upvotes
Zoey Castillo
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.

I've been here 7 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.

That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into running, this place is average.

Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The North side vs the Lakewood side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.

Happy to answer more specific questions..
13 upvotes
columbuschef2021
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 9 years. Moved from Atlanta for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2023 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:**
real estate is strong here. education 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 wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is solid - we have ski resorts 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 excellent. 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. Bugs and humidity in summer. And walkability can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
0 upvotes
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