Random thought, I'm a teacher here and You can expect to pay around $1,071 for rent here. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Is this normal for Atwater?
6 upvotes
11 Replies
jaxvibes2023
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Minneapolis about 12 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Active local events and festivals
- Close to major attractions
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are reasonable, gas is pretty good.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Definitely worth checking out..
39 upvotes
Adeline M.
exactly what I was thinking
36 upvotes
Delilah Garcia
Bought a house here in 2022 and it's not perfect but it works for me. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
30 upvotes
Nathan King
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 11 years. Moved from Phoenix for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is average - we have ski resorts 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 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. Dating scene is rough. Homeless population growing downtown. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 6/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
28 upvotes
Lydia Rodriguez
following this thread
21 upvotes
Violet Allen
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 13 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is nightlife. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the nightlife is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The South side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
19 upvotes
Logan
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Seattle about 8 years ago. The main reasons were family and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Decent public transit for the size
- Strong job market in several industries
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Rising rent and home prices
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are established, gas is better than expected.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Good luck with whatever you decide..
17 upvotes
Sara C.
it depends on the neighborhood
13 upvotes
Valentina Hill
Bought a house here in 2017 and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
4 upvotes
Evelyn T.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 48, moved here 9 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Eastside and Meadowbrook, 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. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The nightlife situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for couples. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 Portland, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with 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.
4 upvotes
Piper Flores
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is public transit. I genuinely enjoy living here. Worth doing your research before committing.
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