Hi all, Born and raised here. Median household income is $79,713, which feels about average for the area. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The suburbs are where most families end up. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
57 upvotes
18 Replies
Aubrey Sanders
I'm a data analyst and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. The community is tough and there's always something going on.
40 upvotes
William Lee
Hot take but it's improved dramatically in recent years. I know a lot of people disagree but after 12 years here, that's my honest assessment.
38 upvotes
Leo Cook
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 12 years. Moved from Denver for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have rivers 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 pretty 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. Winters are long and cold. Dating scene is rough. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 7/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
37 upvotes
Elena Lewis
Weather-wise, the summers are underrated and winters are pricey. You get used to it after the first year.
29 upvotes
Connor Hall
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 57, moved here 15 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Sunset and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Limited shopping options
3. The nightlife situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for singles. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 Houston, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$100K 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.
28 upvotes
Vivian S.
preach
27 upvotes
Piper Torres
Weather-wise, the summers are decent and winters are developing. You get used to it after the first year.
26 upvotes
Asher Scott
I've been living here for 13 years and I'd say I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor recreation is underrated compared to other places I've lived. Overall Good luck with whatever you decide..
20 upvotes
Christian Flores
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Greenfield for 3 years. Moved from Nashville for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - 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. Greenfield schools are average. 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 very walkable outside downtown. Limited entertainment options. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
17 upvotes
Skylar Murphy
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 4 years. Moved from Raleigh for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - 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. South 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. Limited high-paying job options. Bugs and humidity in summer. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 5/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
15 upvotes
Zoe L.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely better than expected and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (Lakewood) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Charlotte, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
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.
14 upvotes
Everly Howard
Public transit is surprisingly good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I have mixed feelings honestly.
12 upvotes
Elizabeth R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 28, moved here 10 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Downtown and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The public transit situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for singles. better than expected 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 San Diego, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $70K-$90K 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.
8 upvotes
Maverick Diaz
Came here for work and stayed because there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The cultural scene is honestly average and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
7 upvotes
Terry B.
glad someone said it
6 upvotes
Aiden K.
Hot take but there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. I know a lot of people disagree but after 6 years here, that's my honest assessment.
4 upvotes
Ethan Nguyen
The food scene here is decent. Tons of great Korean places. it's not perfect but it works for me.
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