Alright, I'm a college student here and Rent is about $1,665/month for a decent place. Average temperature is around 65--F, so the weather is moderate. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Worth the trade-offs? I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
11 upvotes
6 Replies
Everett Evans
My experience has been mostly positive. I love the pace of life here. The only thing I'd watch out for is dating scene. Other than that, Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
37 upvotes
Skylar
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are improving, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
18 upvotes
Genesis R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 43, moved here 6 years ago from LA. I've lived in Oak Park and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The public transit situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for singles. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 LA, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
17 upvotes
Rylee
Can confirm, been here 13 years.
12 upvotes
Jaxon Morgan
I've lived in North for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Salt Lake City, I was surprised by cost of living. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Affordable housing options
- The community vibe scene is solid
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for retirees. Definitely worth checking out..
3 upvotes
Scarlett W.
The food scene here is improving. Tons of great sushi places. it's been a really good experience overall.
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