Been meaning to ask this. I'm a college student here and Homes are going for about $180,000 on average. Household incomes average around $85,391 in Rockwood. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. What neighborhoods would you suggest? Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
1 upvotes
11 Replies
Michael Peterson
following this thread
39 upvotes
sebastian_girl
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 7 years. Moved from Chicago for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. legal 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:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is tough - we have hiking trails 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 excellent. 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Homeless population growing downtown. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
39 upvotes
Emmett
following this thread
37 upvotes
Sophia Martin
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a nurse who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 13 years ago. The main reasons were work and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Active local events and festivals
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are affordable, gas is improving.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Hope this helps!.
35 upvotes
Katherine Peterson
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value nightlife, you'll love it. The public transit is genuinely hit or miss and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (Eastside) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Pittsburgh, be prepared for the culture shock. school system is completely different here. And Homeless population growing 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.
20 upvotes
Adrian Collins
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from Austin about 12 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Strong job market in several industries
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are growing, gas is challenging.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
17 upvotes
Claire Martin
lol so true
14 upvotes
Ezra C.
Used to live on the North side, now on the Midtown side. Completely different vibe. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
10 upvotes
Ariana Peterson
exactly what I was thinking
5 upvotes
Jacob Gutierrez
glad someone said it
3 upvotes
Isla Harris
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 55, moved here 14 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Highland and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The healthcare situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for families. underrated vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $80K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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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