Anyone else feel this way? Military spouse here. Homes are going for about $332,000 on average. Average temperature is around 55--F, so the weather is moderate. Household incomes average around $104,709 in Perry Hall. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Thanks in advance! It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The suburbs are where most families end up. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The suburbs are where most families end up.
12 upvotes
16 Replies
Stephen H.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want school system, then yeah this place is great. But if housing market matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
38 upvotes
Wesley Foster
been saying this for years
38 upvotes
Zoey Rivera
We moved here with our family and it was the best decision I ever made. Schools in Downtown area are average. Kids love it here.
33 upvotes
Paisley Carter
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 7 years. Moved from LA for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2022 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. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Downtown 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. Urban sprawl is real. Limited high-paying job options. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
32 upvotes
Eliana E.
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 5 years. Moved from San Diego for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. engineering 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 was the best decision I ever made. 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. 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. Nightlife is limited. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 5/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
29 upvotes
Luna Roberts
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Internet is solid in most areas.
27 upvotes
tucsonfan2020
Moved here last year, no regrets.
26 upvotes
Eva Hall
Public transit is underrated here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's not perfect but it works for me.
21 upvotes
Jessica C.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are pretty good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
19 upvotes
Henry Lopez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in The Heights for 13 years. Moved from Charlotte for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**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:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. The Heights 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. Bugs and humidity in summer. And safety 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.
19 upvotes
Gabriel Chavez
Moved here from Boston about 13 years ago. it's been a really good experience overall. Still getting used to safety but No regrets on my end..
18 upvotes
Jacob Wood
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 34, moved here 13 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in Downtown and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Close to major attractions
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The safety situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for couples. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 Nashville, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $50K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
12 upvotes
Samuel Lopez
underrated comment
4 upvotes
chill_john15
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want traffic, then yeah this place is great. But if traffic matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
2 upvotes
Olivia
Bought a house here in 2018 and it's been a really good experience overall. Property values have gone about the same since then.
All Countries
