First post here. Been living here since 2008. It's a a small town city with about 2,058 people. The median home value here is around $271,500, which seems about average. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Is this normal for Priest River? People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
3 upvotes
6 Replies
Ann R.
I'm a contractor and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. The community is excellent and there's always something going on.
23 upvotes
Eliana Green
We moved here with our family and it exceeded my expectations. Schools in Cedar Grove area are improving. Kids love it here.
10 upvotes
emma_living
I've lived in Pine Hills for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from Tampa, I was surprised by cost of living. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- The public transit scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Rising rent and home prices
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for families. Feel free to reach out with questions..
7 upvotes
denvervibes2026
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 8 years ago. The main reasons were school and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Lots of new development happening
- Good internet infrastructure
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are established, gas is improving.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
7 upvotes
true_evan13
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The dating scene is genuinely average and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Meadowbrook) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Portland, be prepared for the culture shock. dating scene is completely different here. And Property taxes are high.
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.
2 upvotes
Ian Allen
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Tampa about 4 years ago. The main reasons were family and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good internet infrastructure
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Winters are long and cold
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are affordable, gas is better than expected.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Feel free to reach out with questions..
All Countries
