First post here. My family moved here when I was a kid. Homes are going for about $1,336,500 on average. Poverty rate is 5.1%, which is pretty low. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The city has invested a lot in new development.
2 upvotes
6 Replies
Bella K.
I'm a social worker and I've found the quality of life is solid. The community is tough and there's always something going on.
36 upvotes
Mateo Ward
noted, appreciate it
33 upvotes
Wyatt
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 8 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. North schools are tough. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Property taxes are high. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
20 upvotes
luca_native
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value community vibe, you'll love it. The public transit is genuinely underrated and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Pine Hills) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Diego, be prepared for the culture shock. housing market is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
16 upvotes
Quinn L.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 13 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Lakewood side vs the East side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
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