Poverty rate is 5.3%, which is pretty low. Crime rate is something to consider — Surprise sits at 97.9 per 100K. The city has invested a lot in new development. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
48 upvotes
7 Replies
Autumn Ward
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is outdoor recreation. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Worth doing your research before committing.
33 upvotes
dominic_lover
Totally agree!
27 upvotes
Hudson Hall
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Baltimore about 5 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are growing, gas is improving.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
24 upvotes
Peyton R.
Public transit is solid here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I have mixed feelings honestly.
14 upvotes
kcliving2025
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 15 years. Moved from San Diego for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2023 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:**
government 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:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have desert landscapes 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Dating scene is rough. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 8/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
14 upvotes
Elijah Phillips
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are average, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
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