First post here. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. What neighborhoods would you suggest?
8 upvotes
12 Replies
Aubrey Rogers
lol so true
40 upvotes
Waylon Castillo
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are better than expected, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
39 upvotes
Harper Diaz
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value safety, you'll love it. The cultural scene is genuinely better than expected and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (Downtown) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Austin, be prepared for the culture shock. nightlife is completely different here. And Limited high-paying job 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.
35 upvotes
Michael Davis
I've lived in Westside for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Seattle, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Affordable housing options
- The job market scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Limited high-paying job options
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for young professionals. Good luck with whatever you decide..
29 upvotes
Henry
same here
29 upvotes
Jameson
it depends on the neighborhood
17 upvotes
Jordan Foster
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 11 years ago from Dallas and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Fairview. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in legal. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 16 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like Southern.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
16 upvotes
Connor Baker
hmm interesting perspective
15 upvotes
Caleb M.
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 12 years. Moved from Phoenix for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. 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:**
engineering is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. 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. Pine Hills schools are solid. 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. Far from beaches/mountains. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 8/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
14 upvotes
Ezekiel Davis
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value dating scene, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely improving and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (Oak Park) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Chicago, be prepared for the culture shock. dating scene 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.
10 upvotes
Cooper
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 14 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the nightlife is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Lakewood side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
8 upvotes
Lydia M.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are excellent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.