Longtime lurker here, I relocated for work and The median home value here is around $791,600, which is pretty steep. The unemployment rate is 3.9%, which is pretty low. Poverty rate is 6.1%, which is pretty low. You can expect to pay around $2,509 for rent here. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The weather takes some getting used to.
4 upvotes
12 Replies
Elijah Baker
I've been living here for 10 years and I'd say I genuinely enjoy living here. The weather is challenging compared to other places I've lived. Overall Happy to answer more specific questions..
39 upvotes
Rylee Lewis
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 4 years. Moved from Miami for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have lakes 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 underrated. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Homeless population growing downtown. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 9/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
39 upvotes
coastal_ethan18
+1
36 upvotes
Joseph Gomez
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 5 years ago from Chicago and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Lakewood. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in finance. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 18 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like Mediterranean.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
35 upvotes
Jackson Young
We moved here with our family and it exceeded my expectations. Schools in Maple Ridge area are surprisingly good. Kids love it here.
29 upvotes
minneapoliswalker2026
I've been living here for 10 years and I'd say I love the pace of life here. The dating scene is improving compared to other places I've lived. Overall Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
29 upvotes
sunny_adeline89
great question, following
25 upvotes
Lucas R.
As someone who grew up here, it's improved dramatically in recent years. A lot has changed in the past few years though. cultural scene used to be much developing but now it's improving.
24 upvotes
Avery Peterson
nah I disagree
23 upvotes
Justin M.
Moved here from New York about 1 years ago. it was the best decision I ever made. Still getting used to food scene but Hope this helps!.
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