Hey folks, Median household income is $81,141, which feels pretty solid for the area. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. What neighborhoods would you suggest? Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
27 upvotes
11 Replies
Robert Kelly
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Compared to Chicago it's solid.
40 upvotes
omaha_lucy
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from Raleigh about 15 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Decent public transit for the size
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Limited entertainment options
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are manageable, gas is challenging.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Definitely worth checking out..
37 upvotes
Silas Mendoza
Weather-wise, the summers are solid and winters are growing. You get used to it after the first year.
30 upvotes
jackson_girl
Moved here from LA about 11 years ago. I love the pace of life here. Still getting used to nightlife but Good luck with whatever you decide..
18 upvotes
John Murphy
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Miami about 3 years ago. The main reasons were family and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Active local events and festivals
- Affordable housing options
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are developing, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Hope this helps!.
18 upvotes
Adam L.
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 14 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is average - 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 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. Dating scene is rough. Far from beaches/mountains. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 9/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
17 upvotes
Isaac Cox
I've been living here for 13 years and I'd say the quality of life is solid. The pet-friendliness is challenging compared to other places I've lived. Overall No regrets on my end..
15 upvotes
lake_riley16
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 46, moved here 2 years ago from Boston. I've lived in The Heights and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Affordable housing options
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The school system situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for couples. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 Boston, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $70K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific 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.
14 upvotes
Eliana Perez
been saying this for years
10 upvotes
Nicholas Smith
interesting, hadn't considered that
3 upvotes
Jacob
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 9 years ago from San Diego and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in North. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in education. If you're in education you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 9 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like Vietnamese.
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