Worst things about Urban Honolulu nobody talks about
Longtime lurker here, Just moved here 14 months ago and The median home value here is around $834,100, which is pretty steep. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Am I wrong here? The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's changing fast — some good, some not so much.
25 upvotes
7 Replies
Santiago Jimenez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 24, moved here 1 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in Old Town and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Rising rent and home prices
3. The job market situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for retirees. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 Nashville, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $100K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with 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.
36 upvotes
Jack Scott
I've lived in Fairview for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from Atlanta, I was surprised by dating scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Strong job market in several industries
- The healthcare scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Property taxes are high
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for couples. Definitely worth checking out..
30 upvotes
Eli Sanchez
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is public transit. the quality of life is solid. Worth doing your research before committing.
16 upvotes
Jaxon
Moved here from Baltimore about 13 years ago. I love the pace of life here. Still getting used to safety but No regrets on my end..
14 upvotes
sacramentoguy2023
This.
13 upvotes
Jack C.
Used to live on the Oak Park side, now on the Fairview side. Completely different vibe. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
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