Hey everyone, It's a a small town city with about 8,057 people. The median home value here is around $110,400, which is actually reasonable. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. What are your go-to spots?
1 upvotes
12 Replies
Arianna P.
spot on
40 upvotes
Roman Alvarez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Midtown for 14 years. Moved from San Francisco for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2016 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:**
legal is strong here. finance 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 was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Midtown 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. Urban sprawl is real. Chain restaurants dominate. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 6/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
39 upvotes
Katherine Green
great question, following
39 upvotes
Declan Martin
I work in tech here and it's been a really good experience overall. The job market for my field is better than expected. Happy to answer more specific questions..
33 upvotes
Jackson Young
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 37, moved here 10 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in Riverside and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Urban sprawl is real
3. The dating scene situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for young professionals. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 Salt Lake City, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $80K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
30 upvotes
Cheryl M.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's not perfect but it works for me. Internet is surprisingly good in most areas.
21 upvotes
Dominic C.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 2 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the East side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
17 upvotes
Harper Long
Totally agree!
14 upvotes
Nora D.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 3 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is cost of living. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Cedar Grove side vs the Pine Hills side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
11 upvotes
Ezekiel Parker
Weather-wise, the summers are decent and winters are developing. You get used to it after the first year.
11 upvotes
Avery J.
glad someone said it
11 upvotes
Lydia 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 1 years. Moved from San Francisco for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. government 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 have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is underrated - 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. Property taxes are high. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 8/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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