Been meaning to ask this. We have two kids and Median household income is $53,814, which feels on the lower side for the area. Homes are going for about $257,400 on average. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Anyone in a similar situation? Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The city has invested a lot in new development. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The weather takes some getting used to. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The weather takes some getting used to. The weather takes some getting used to.
2 upvotes
15 Replies
Mia Thompson
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 6 years ago from Boston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Springfield. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in real estate. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 17 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like farm-to-table.
No regrets on my end..
38 upvotes
Nathan Morales
lol so true
35 upvotes
Jose
As someone who grew up here, the quality of life is solid. A lot has changed in the past few years though. traffic used to be much developing but now it's excellent.
34 upvotes
omahavibes2022
couldn't agree more
33 upvotes
Judith M.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from Dallas about 7 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are competitive, gas is solid.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
26 upvotes
Hunter
I've lived in Pine Hills for about 10 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Minneapolis, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Lots of new development happening
- The pet-friendliness scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for young professionals. Good luck with whatever you decide..
25 upvotes
Roman Jones
exactly what I was thinking
23 upvotes
Ezekiel M.
great question, following
22 upvotes
Mary A.
Bought a house here in 2020 and it's not perfect but it works for me. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
21 upvotes
miamikid2022
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value traffic, you'll love it. The pet-friendliness is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (Uptown) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Miami, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
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.
15 upvotes
bella_vibes
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are better than expected, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
12 upvotes
miami_audrey
Moved here from Houston about 14 years ago. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Still getting used to safety but Would recommend to anyone considering it..
10 upvotes
Raymond C.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 6 years. Moved from Charlotte for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth down slightly 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:**
tech is strong here. finance 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:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is decent - 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. East schools are hit or miss. 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. Dating scene is rough. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 7/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
8 upvotes
Joseph Sanders
Bought a house here in 2022 and it was the best decision I ever made. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
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