Been meaning to ask this. My partner and I are Median household income is $60,760, which feels about average for the area. Poverty rate is 8.7%, which is pretty low. The median home value here is around $279,400, which seems about average. Homes are going for about $279,400 on average. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Worth the trade-offs? Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The weather takes some getting used to. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
21 upvotes
2 Replies
Scarlett Rivera
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 1 years. Moved from Charlotte for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. government 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:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is decent - we have beaches 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Far from beaches/mountains. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 8/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
40 upvotes
Claire Mendoza
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 52, moved here 15 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in North and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The healthcare situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for remote workers. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 Raleigh, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $100K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
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