Not sure if this has been asked before, but Homes are going for about $318,300 on average. The median home value here is around $318,300, which seems about average. Average temperature is around 62--F, so the weather is moderate. Rent is about $1,389/month for a decent place. The suburbs are where most families end up. Anyone in a similar situation? Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The suburbs are where most families end up. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
16 upvotes
21 Replies
Everly
great question, following
39 upvotes
Asher W.
Bought a house here in 2022 and I love the pace of life here. Property values have gone about the same since then.
39 upvotes
happy_claire91
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 55, moved here 10 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Eastside and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Limited shopping options
3. The safety situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for families. average vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $90K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
38 upvotes
Hazel
I'm a writer and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The community is underrated and there's always something going on.
38 upvotes
Savannah H.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 2 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is community vibe. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Lakewood side vs the South side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
38 upvotes
Owen Ramos
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.
36 upvotes
Ethan R.
yeah no that's not right
35 upvotes
Lillian Lee
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it was the best decision I ever made. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
26 upvotes
Sofia Alvarez
Weather-wise, the summers are tough and winters are pricey. You get used to it after the first year.
25 upvotes
Valentina
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 44, moved here 3 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Westside and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The job market situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for retirees. better than expected 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 Austin, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
24 upvotes
Isaiah Mendoza
As someone who grew up here, I genuinely enjoy living here. A lot has changed in the past few years though. weather used to be much developing but now it's average.
23 upvotes
Caleb Parker
exactly what I was thinking
22 upvotes
Lydia P.
I've lived in North for about 7 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's not perfect but it works for me. When I first moved here from Portland, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The cost of living scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for young professionals. Definitely worth checking out..
14 upvotes
Logan
good to know, thanks
13 upvotes
Leo Hall
big facts right here
12 upvotes
Austin Moore
Public transit is solid here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I have mixed feelings honestly.
12 upvotes
Alexa Gray
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is cost of living. it exceeded my expectations. Worth doing your research before committing.
11 upvotes
Roman Long
Hot take but I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. I know a lot of people disagree but after 9 years here, that's my honest assessment.
9 upvotes
Sofia
I've been living here for 2 years and I'd say there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The weather is tough compared to other places I've lived. Overall Good luck with whatever you decide..
9 upvotes
Jace W.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want cultural scene, then yeah this place is great. But if dating scene matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
9 upvotes
Carter Johnson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 37, moved here 3 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in Springfield and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The public transit situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for remote workers. average vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 Atlanta, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $90K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific 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.
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