I'm single, late 20s, and Poverty rate is 7.6%, which is pretty low. Homes are going for about $411,700 on average. With a population of 171K, Pembroke Pines is a mid-size city. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The city has invested a lot in new development.
Pros:
- Low taxes
- Strong sense of community
- Plenty of shopping options
- Good airport connections
Cons:
- Hot summers
- Lack of diversity
- Few job opportunities in some fields
- Mosquitoes and humidity
- Chain restaurants dominate
Appreciate any input. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
17 upvotes
7 Replies
Quinn Gutierrez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 9 years. Moved from Charlotte for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up a bit 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:**
retail is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is decent - 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. Riverside 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Property taxes are high. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
27 upvotes
Grayson Morales
The food scene here is solid. Tons of great seafood places. the quality of life is solid.
21 upvotes
Quinn Perez
This.
19 upvotes
Lydia Garcia
nah I disagree
17 upvotes
Carolyn B.
Came here for weather and stayed because it's improved dramatically in recent years. The community vibe is honestly challenging and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
16 upvotes
Luke Cruz
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value food scene, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely solid and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (East) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Charlotte, be prepared for the culture shock. food scene is completely different here. And Not very walkable outside downtown.
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.
13 upvotes
Zoey Clark
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 28, moved here 15 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Lakewood and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The traffic situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for retirees. hit or miss 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 Portland, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$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.
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