Average temperature is around 44--F, so bundle up in winter. Household incomes average around $67,632 in Cambridge. The city has invested a lot in new development. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. What do you all think? Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
13 upvotes
10 Replies
Kayden B.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are excellent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
40 upvotes
Isla
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 13 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Strong job market in several industries
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Property taxes are high
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are wild, gas is improving.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Good luck with whatever you decide..
24 upvotes
Valentina
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 54, moved here 10 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Eastside and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The outdoor recreation situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for couples. decent 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$150K 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.
20 upvotes
Anthony M.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want outdoor recreation, then yeah this place is great. But if safety matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
20 upvotes
Ellie J.
same here
20 upvotes
William James
hmm interesting perspective
14 upvotes
Elena Foster
100%
11 upvotes
Colton
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Compared to Baltimore it's pretty good.
10 upvotes
Christian D.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 1 years. Moved from Baltimore for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up significantly 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:**
hospitality is strong here. hospitality 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:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have beaches 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 surprisingly 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Dating scene is rough. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 9/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.