Hello, I'm originally from Tucson and Median household income is $58,341, which feels about average for the area. The city has invested a lot in new development. What would you do?
1 upvotes
13 Replies
stlmama2024
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 12 years. Moved from Seattle for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - 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. Pine Hills 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Limited high-paying job options. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 8/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
39 upvotes
Aria Turner
I've lived in Westside for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Austin, I was surprised by dating scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Decent public transit for the size
- The school system scene is surprisingly good
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for singles. Feel free to reach out with questions..
39 upvotes
Aiden L.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's not perfect but it works for me. Definitely worth checking out..
29 upvotes
Amelia Green
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is outdoor recreation. it was the best decision I ever made. Worth doing your research before committing.
27 upvotes
Parker P.
I've lived in Fairview for about 10 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Salt Lake City, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good airport with direct flights
- The housing market scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for retirees. Hope this helps!.
25 upvotes
Kennedy Kelly
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 walkability. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Riverside side vs the Highland side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
15 upvotes
ladude2021
Public transit is average here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I love the pace of life here.
15 upvotes
Dominic
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Nashville about 3 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good healthcare facilities
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are pricey, gas is tough.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. No regrets on my end..
14 upvotes
Ezekiel Sanders
My experience has been mostly positive. I genuinely enjoy living here. The only thing I'd watch out for is safety. Other than that, Happy to answer more specific questions..
12 upvotes
Sebastian Reed
I've lived in East for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from New York, I was surprised by community vibe. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Active local events and festivals
- The healthcare scene is improving
The downsides:
- Can feel isolated
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for families. Happy to answer more specific questions..
5 upvotes
Jordan
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value weather, you'll love it. The outdoor recreation is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (Midtown) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Denver, be prepared for the culture shock. food scene is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
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.
5 upvotes
Violet Brooks
not my experience at all
2 upvotes
Adeline Lewis
I've lived in Oak Park for about 10 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from San Diego, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Good internet infrastructure
- The safety scene is tough
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for young professionals. No regrets on my end..
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