The unemployment rate is 2.1%, which is pretty low. The median home value here is around $151,100, which is actually reasonable. Poverty rate is 14.9%, which is around average. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
Pros:
- Good job market
- Growing food scene
- Close to nature
- Plenty of shopping options
- Active local events
Cons:
- High property taxes
- Lack of diversity
- Far from major airports
It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The city has invested a lot in new development. The weather takes some getting used to. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The city has invested a lot in new development. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
13 upvotes
10 Replies
Greyson Myers
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 5 years. Moved from Baltimore for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have biking 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 tough. 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 high-paying job options. Far from beaches/mountains. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
38 upvotes
Easton Cook
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 28, moved here 11 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in The Heights and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Diverse dining options
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Homeless population growing downtown
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The outdoor recreation situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for couples. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 Atlanta, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $80K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
36 upvotes
Ava Robinson
I've lived in Old Town for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Atlanta, I was surprised by safety. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- The food scene scene is improving
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for retirees. Definitely worth checking out..
27 upvotes
aubrey_mind
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is traffic. it's been a really good experience overall. Worth doing your research before committing.
20 upvotes
Michael Reed
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 2 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. 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 4-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is improving - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Highland schools are better than expected. 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. Property taxes are high. Far from beaches/mountains. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
20 upvotes
Roman Mitchell
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. it was the best decision I ever made. Compared to Denver it's better than expected.
10 upvotes
Helen G.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are underrated, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
10 upvotes
indysoul2026
Moved here from Minneapolis about 15 years ago. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Still getting used to community vibe but Would recommend to anyone considering it..
6 upvotes
Peyton Roberts
I'm a social worker and I've found the quality of life is solid. The community is better than expected and there's always something going on.
5 upvotes
Elena
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a teacher who relocated here from Boston about 12 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good schools in most areas
- Decent public transit for the size
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are affordable, gas is pretty good.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
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