So, The unemployment rate is 5.2%, which is about average. Poverty rate is 8.4%, which is pretty low. The median home value here is around $492,100, which is pretty steep. You can expect to pay around $1,592 for rent here. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Any help is appreciated. The suburbs are where most families end up. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
4 upvotes
9 Replies
Austin Foster
Hot take but it's been a really good experience overall. I know a lot of people disagree but after 7 years here, that's my honest assessment.
36 upvotes
Melanie
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Internet is pretty good in most areas.
35 upvotes
Andrew Martinez
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I have mixed feelings honestly. Internet is hit or miss in most areas.
34 upvotes
Eliana Reyes
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 37, moved here 14 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in West and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The community vibe situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for young professionals. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Sunset: 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 pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $80K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
25 upvotes
Michael Hernandez
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 6 years ago from Houston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in South. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in construction. If you're in engineering you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like seafood.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
23 upvotes
Everett Collins
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 13 years. Moved from Austin for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have biking trails 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 pretty 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. Limited public transit options. Summers can be brutally hot. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
17 upvotes
William Morales
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. I love the pace of life here. Compared to Denver it's excellent.
12 upvotes
Christine T.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. it's been a really good experience overall. Compared to Raleigh it's hit or miss.
5 upvotes
Isabelle Diaz
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 57, moved here 6 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Highland and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The community vibe situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for retirees. decent vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.