Longtime lurker here, I've been here for 2 years and Median household income is $75,000, which feels about average for the area. With a population of 2,507, Penndel is a small town. The unemployment rate is 2.1%, which is pretty low. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The city has invested a lot in new development. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Has anyone dealt with this? There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The weather takes some getting used to. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The suburbs are where most families end up. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The city has invested a lot in new development. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The city has invested a lot in new development. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Property taxes are high but you get good services. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The weather takes some getting used to. The weather takes some getting used to. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
2 upvotes
14 Replies
Jaxon Bailey
I've lived in Riverside for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from LA, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Strong job market in several industries
- The school system scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for remote workers. Definitely worth checking out..
40 upvotes
Nova Ward
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value food scene, you'll love it. The nightlife is genuinely tough and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (Westside) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Phoenix, be prepared for the culture shock. cultural scene is completely different here. And Limited shopping options.
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.
33 upvotes
Elena G.
As someone who grew up here, it exceeded my expectations. A lot has changed in the past few years though. job market used to be much wild but now it's average.
31 upvotes
Eli Garcia
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 Portland for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. consulting 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:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is surprisingly 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 tough. 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 shopping options. Homeless population growing downtown. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 8/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
31 upvotes
Ariana
honestly same experience here
30 upvotes
Delilah W.
underrated comment
30 upvotes
Weston A.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is dating scene. it's not perfect but it works for me. Worth doing your research before committing.
28 upvotes
Savannah James
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value traffic, you'll love it. The weather is genuinely underrated and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (Pine Hills) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Raleigh, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit 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.
25 upvotes
Robert P.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is food scene. it's been a really good experience overall. Worth doing your research before committing.
22 upvotes
mesa_sophia
This.
21 upvotes
Aiden Jimenez
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. the quality of life is solid. Compared to Raleigh it's surprisingly good.
20 upvotes
Santiago E.
Bought a house here in 2023 and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Property values have gone about the same since then.
12 upvotes
Willow
Hot take but it's been a really good experience overall. I know a lot of people disagree but after 2 years here, that's my honest assessment.
7 upvotes
Harper Cox
I've lived in Highland for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from Charlotte, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Lots of new development happening
- The dating scene scene is tough
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for families. Happy to answer more specific questions..
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