Alright, My family moved here when I was a kid. Average temperature is around 52--F, so expect cold winters. It's a a smaller city city with about 63,809 people. You can expect to pay around $1,665 for rent here. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
Pros:
- Diverse community
- Walkable downtown
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons:
- Not very walkable
- High property taxes
- Boring for young people
- Mosquitoes and humidity
Cheers. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The weather takes some getting used to. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The city has invested a lot in new development. The suburbs are where most families end up. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The suburbs are where most families end up. 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. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
17 upvotes
14 Replies
Everly Gray
Bought a house here in 2023 and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
35 upvotes
Samantha L.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Tampa about 9 years ago. The main reasons were school and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good schools in most areas
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Summers can be brutally hot
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are pricey, gas is decent.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Good luck with whatever you decide..
35 upvotes
Paisley Perez
I've lived in Pine Hills for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Minneapolis, I was surprised by community vibe. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good healthcare facilities
- The food scene scene is average
The downsides:
- Limited shopping options
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for couples. Feel free to reach out with questions..
34 upvotes
Piper Morales
couldn't agree more
31 upvotes
columbus_aiden
glad someone said it
24 upvotes
Serenity G.
Moved here from Houston about 6 years ago. I love the pace of life here. Still getting used to cost of living but Good luck with whatever you decide..
23 upvotes
Elena Bennett
glad someone said it
19 upvotes
Daniel Taylor
spot on
18 upvotes
Paul W.
I'm a sales manager and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. The community is solid and there's always something going on.
15 upvotes
Abigail Cook
I work in consulting here and it's been a really good experience overall. The job market for my field is excellent. Hope this helps!.
14 upvotes
Lori C.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 55, moved here 14 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Oak Park and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The walkability situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for singles. solid vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: 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 Baltimore, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $80K-$80K 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.
12 upvotes
Ian Torres
Used to live on the Pine Hills side, now on the Old Town side. Completely different vibe. it's been a really good experience overall.
9 upvotes
Madelyn K.
I'm a sales manager and I've found I love the pace of life here. The community is challenging and there's always something going on.
5 upvotes
Skylar Williams
Bought a house here in 2018 and it was the best decision I ever made. Property values have gone about the same since then.
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