Been meaning to ask this. I'm a 45-year-old lawyer and Median household income is $81,667, which feels pretty solid for the area. Average temperature is around 48--F, so expect cold winters. The city has invested a lot in new development. What do you all think? TIA! Property taxes are high but you get good services. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
8 upvotes
14 Replies
Adam Rogers
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value school system, you'll love it. The dating scene is genuinely challenging and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (Oak Park) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Baltimore, be prepared for the culture shock. housing market is completely different here. And Road conditions need improvement.
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
Bella Peterson
Moved here last year, no regrets.
29 upvotes
Allison Reed
Public transit is better than expected here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it was the best decision I ever made.
25 upvotes
Camila King
My experience has been mostly positive. it's exactly what I was looking for. The only thing I'd watch out for is healthcare. Other than that, Definitely worth checking out..
25 upvotes
Naomi Morris
Bought a house here in 2016 and I genuinely enjoy living here. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
21 upvotes
David Sanchez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 43, moved here 5 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in Fairview and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Rising rent and home prices
3. The dating scene situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for families. improving vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $90K-$120K 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.
21 upvotes
Wesley Morris
Came here for a job opportunity and stayed because there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The housing market is honestly challenging and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
20 upvotes
Owen Ramos
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is public transit. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Worth doing your research before committing.
20 upvotes
Bobby J.
wish I knew this sooner
19 upvotes
Avery C.
Totally agree!
3 upvotes
Victoria C.
Can confirm, been here 7 years.
1 upvotes
Christine C.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 58, moved here 14 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Springfield and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Affordable housing options
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The healthcare situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for retirees. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 Dallas, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $80K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with 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.
1 upvotes
Julia Hill
I've lived in Downtown for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Denver, I was surprised by community vibe. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Close to major attractions
- Good airport with direct flights
- The cultural scene scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for singles. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
0 upvotes
Adeline
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 14 years. Moved from Baltimore for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
government 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 not perfect but it works for me. 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 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Bugs and humidity in summer. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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