Hey everyone, Poverty rate is 5.0%, which is pretty low. Average temperature is around 76--F, so it's warm year-round. Rent is about $2,445/month for a decent place. The median home value here is around $557,100, which is pretty steep. The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Anyone in a similar situation? Thanks for reading. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The weather takes some getting used to. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
2 upvotes
9 Replies
Elijah Torres
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 32, moved here 7 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Sunset and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The safety situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for families. excellent vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 Miami, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $60K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
37 upvotes
Mackenzie Sanders
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Salt Lake City about 7 years ago. The main reasons were weather and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Strong job market in several industries
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are pricey, gas is improving.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
31 upvotes
Easton
not my experience at all
28 upvotes
Santiago Parker
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 34, moved here 11 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Eastside and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Friendly community, easy to meet people
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The housing market situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for families. excellent 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 Austin, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $80K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
23 upvotes
Joseph Evans
good to know, thanks
23 upvotes
Judith T.
We moved here with our family and I have mixed feelings honestly. Schools in South area are decent. Kids love it here.
7 upvotes
Cora
Moved here from LA about 7 years ago. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Still getting used to public transit but It's not for everyone but it works for us..
6 upvotes
Terry W.
spot on
2 upvotes
Elijah P.
I've lived in Pine Hills for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Raleigh, I was surprised by safety. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Lots of new development happening
- The job market scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Limited high-paying job options
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for couples. Good luck with whatever you decide..
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