OK so We have two kids and Crime rate is something to consider — Newark sits at 619.0 per 100K. The median home value here is around $337,800, which seems about average. Property taxes are high but you get good services. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. What are your go-to spots? I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
8 upvotes
10 Replies
Ezra Thompson
Hot take but there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. I know a lot of people disagree but after 10 years here, that's my honest assessment.
38 upvotes
Hannah A.
exactly what I was thinking
31 upvotes
Stephen R.
same here
31 upvotes
living_addison29
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value school system, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely tough and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (Cedar Grove) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Diego, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability 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.
16 upvotes
Carter Nguyen
Used to live on the Downtown side, now on the Springfield side. Completely different vibe. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
15 upvotes
Donna M.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Seattle about 7 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are affordable, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
11 upvotes
Hailey Diaz
I work in real estate here and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The job market for my field is pretty good. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
7 upvotes
Parker Mitchell
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 1 years. Moved from Austin for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2023 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. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. manufacturing 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:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is decent - 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. 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. Property taxes are high. Dating scene is rough. And public transit 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.
7 upvotes
Colton D.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 11 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The The Heights side vs the Springfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
6 upvotes
Allison P.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is school system. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Worth doing your research before committing.
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