It's a a smaller city city with about 65,291 people. The weather takes some getting used to. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The weather takes some getting used to. The city has invested a lot in new development. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
12 upvotes
8 Replies
Helen G.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 5 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Fairview side vs the West side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
29 upvotes
Isabelle Gray
The food scene here is average. Tons of great craft beer places. I love the pace of life here.
26 upvotes
Piper Jackson
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value safety, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely solid and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (Springfield) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Diego, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Chain restaurants dominate.
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
Willow
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 13 years. Moved from Charlotte for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. 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. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is excellent - 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. Pine Hills schools are surprisingly 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Far from beaches/mountains. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 8/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
15 upvotes
oaklandheart2020
following this thread
14 upvotes
Elijah R.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Chicago about 2 years ago. The main reasons were family and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Close to major attractions
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are pricey, gas is better than expected.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Happy to answer more specific questions..
All Countries
