What I wish I knew before living in Urban Honolulu
So, I'm a nurse at the local hospital and Let me know your thoughts.
52 upvotes
12 Replies
boston_owen
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Nashville about 5 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Four distinct seasons
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are competitive, gas is excellent.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Happy to answer more specific questions..
38 upvotes
fresno_brooklyn
spot on
35 upvotes
Everly Foster
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 14 years ago from Tampa and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in West. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in marketing. If you're in engineering you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 17 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like Mediterranean.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
31 upvotes
Andrew Castillo
it depends on the neighborhood
30 upvotes
Genesis Rivera
Public transit is excellent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I have mixed feelings honestly.
26 upvotes
Miles Lopez
good to know, thanks
24 upvotes
charlotte_jameson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 12 years. Moved from Seattle for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. South 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. Rising rent and home prices. Can feel isolated. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 7/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
20 upvotes
Connor D.
literally same
15 upvotes
Ezra Y.
Weather-wise, the summers are tough and winters are growing. You get used to it after the first year.
15 upvotes
Hudson Cook
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. it's exactly what I was looking for. Compared to Seattle it's better than expected.