Hey everyone, Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. What would you do? Thanks for reading.
5 upvotes
13 Replies
urban_alice55
couldn't agree more
39 upvotes
Roman Bennett
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 7 years. Moved from San Francisco for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. East schools are improving. 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. Limited entertainment options. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 5/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
37 upvotes
Ian
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 35, moved here 5 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in South and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The safety situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for retirees. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 Raleigh, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $100K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
34 upvotes
Jonathan M.
I work in manufacturing here and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The job market for my field is surprisingly good. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
32 upvotes
David M.
bump
28 upvotes
Jameson Martinez
I've been living here for 8 years and I'd say it's improved dramatically in recent years. The healthcare is hit or miss compared to other places I've lived. Overall Definitely worth checking out..
28 upvotes
Levi Campbell
wish I knew this sooner
25 upvotes
Hunter G.
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 2 years. Moved from Baltimore for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
real estate 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:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have mountains 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 hit or miss. 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. Chain restaurants dominate. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
19 upvotes
Maverick Castillo
great question, following
18 upvotes
Carter Castillo
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 24, moved here 14 years ago from New York. I've lived in Oak Park and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Limited public transit options
3. The food scene situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for couples. improving vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 New York, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
15 upvotes
Aubrey Thomas
Saving this thread
11 upvotes
Christine D.
I'm a software engineer and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. The community is pretty good and there's always something going on.
10 upvotes
Kennedy Cook
Weather-wise, the summers are tough and winters are affordable. You get used to it after the first year.