So, I've been here for 7 years and It's a a smaller city city with about 59,639 people. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Would love some local perspective. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The city has invested a lot in new development.
7 upvotes
17 Replies
Ellie Martinez
I've lived in Pine Hills for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from Phoenix, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- The nightlife scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Property taxes are high
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for young professionals. Happy to answer more specific questions..
36 upvotes
Michael C.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 9 years ago from Baltimore and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Sunset. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in consulting. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 16 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like Mexican.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
36 upvotes
orlandoguy2021
My experience has been mostly positive. it's been a really good experience overall. The only thing I'd watch out for is job market. Other than that, Definitely worth checking out..
34 upvotes
Sophia Harris
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 4 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into running, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The South side vs the Uptown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
32 upvotes
Gabriella Sanders
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Internet is surprisingly good in most areas.
31 upvotes
Justin J.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 1 years ago from New York and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Lakewood. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in engineering. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 12 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like Asian.
No regrets on my end..
30 upvotes
Henry Rivera
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely hit or miss and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (The Heights) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from LA, be prepared for the culture shock. community vibe is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
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.
30 upvotes
Angel Miller
Bought a house here in 2022 and it's not perfect but it works for me. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
29 upvotes
Maverick
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is pet-friendliness. I genuinely enjoy living here. Worth doing your research before committing.
28 upvotes
Zoe Long
As someone who grew up here, I genuinely enjoy living here. A lot has changed in the past few years though. pet-friendliness used to be much growing but now it's decent.
26 upvotes
Sebastian Kim
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want walkability, then yeah this place is great. But if traffic matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
21 upvotes
Jordan Richardson
Came here for cost of living and stayed because the quality of life is solid. The traffic is honestly decent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
17 upvotes
Adam Johnson
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's exactly what I was looking for. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
12 upvotes
Evan Edwards
I work in engineering here and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The job market for my field is solid. Definitely worth checking out..
11 upvotes
Daniel Lopez
Hot take but it's been a really good experience overall. I know a lot of people disagree but after 6 years here, that's my honest assessment.
10 upvotes
noah_native
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 46, moved here 5 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Pine Hills and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The housing market situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for young professionals. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: 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 San Francisco, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $90K-$150K 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.
9 upvotes
Mia Young
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 42, moved here 8 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Midtown and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Limited shopping options
3. The weather situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for retirees. 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 Miami, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
All Countries
