I relocated for work and The unemployment rate is 4.8%, which is about average. Household incomes average around $23,913 in Shaw. Crime rate is something to consider -Shaw sits at 1,238.3 per 100K. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The weather takes some getting used to. The suburbs are where most families end up. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
2 upvotes
15 Replies
Isabelle
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 2 years. Moved from Chicago for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is average - we have ski resorts 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 average. 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. Limited entertainment options. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
33 upvotes
Jacob R.
Weather-wise, the summers are decent and winters are affordable. You get used to it after the first year.
32 upvotes
Emmett R.
Moved here last year, no regrets.
32 upvotes
sarah_native
Can confirm, been here 6 years.
31 upvotes
Isaiah
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. I have mixed feelings honestly. Compared to Denver it's average.
28 upvotes
Ariana Diaz
Bought a house here in 2020 and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
28 upvotes
Parker Carter
this is the way
22 upvotes
Everett Taylor
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Uptown for 10 years. Moved from San Francisco for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2023 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. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. healthcare 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 exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Uptown schools are decent. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Chain restaurants dominate. And pet-friendliness 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.
22 upvotes
oakland_eleanor
bump
22 upvotes
Noah Moore
Hot take but it exceeded my expectations. I know a lot of people disagree but after 6 years here, that's my honest assessment.
21 upvotes
Violet R.
I've lived in Pine Hills for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's not perfect but it works for me. When I first moved here from Baltimore, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Four distinct seasons
- The food scene scene is solid
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for families. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
13 upvotes
Santiago Jones
Bought a house here in 2022 and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
13 upvotes
phoenixwalker2024
not my experience at all
9 upvotes
Andrew T.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want walkability, then yeah this place is great. But if walkability matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
6 upvotes
Ezekiel Brooks
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value healthcare, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely excellent and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Springfield) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Phoenix, be prepared for the culture shock. cultural scene is completely different here. And Can feel isolated.
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.