Hi all, I'm retired and Household incomes average around $58,716 in Two Rivers. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Would love some local perspective. Looking forward to hearing from you all.
8 upvotes
13 Replies
Liam
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 Miami for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2020 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. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. healthcare 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'm still on the fence after all this time. 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. Pine Hills schools are average. 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. Nightlife is limited. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 8/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
33 upvotes
Paisley
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Compared to Chicago it's underrated.
33 upvotes
Robert E.
Public transit is better than expected here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
29 upvotes
John Williams
not my experience at all
27 upvotes
Logan S.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want community vibe, then yeah this place is great. But if outdoor recreation matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
27 upvotes
Carson C.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely underrated and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (West) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Portland, be prepared for the culture shock. school system is completely different here. And Limited high-paying job 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.
22 upvotes
Eli Young
I work in tech here and I have mixed feelings honestly. The job market for my field is improving. No regrets on my end..
19 upvotes
Amelia King
The food scene here is decent. Tons of great Korean places. it's not perfect but it works for me.
18 upvotes
Sophie Richardson
great question, following
16 upvotes
Isaac Anderson
couldn't agree more
11 upvotes
Mateo B.
Saving this thread
10 upvotes
Emma T.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. it exceeded my expectations. Compared to LA it's underrated.
0 upvotes
Sadie Turner
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 51, moved here 6 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Pine Hills and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Limited shopping options
3. The healthcare situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for singles. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- East: 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 excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $80K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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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