OK so It's a a small town city with about 12,489 people. Median household income is $166,023, which feels pretty solid for the area. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Thoughts? Property taxes are high but you get good services. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
9 upvotes
13 Replies
Cora Nelson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from Austin about 9 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Active local events and festivals
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Homeless population growing downtown
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are affordable, gas is improving.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Feel free to reach out with questions..
38 upvotes
Hudson Brooks
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 10 years. Moved from Portland for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. construction 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:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have rivers 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 hit or miss. 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 a lot of cultural diversity. Far from beaches/mountains. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
31 upvotes
Theodore Rivera
Came here for cost of living and stayed because it exceeded my expectations. The school system is honestly challenging and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
30 upvotes
Kai
glad someone said it
22 upvotes
Jameson Scott
My experience has been mostly positive. it's improved dramatically in recent years. The only thing I'd watch out for is walkability. Other than that, Good luck with whatever you decide..
19 upvotes
Victoria Wood
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want weather, then yeah this place is great. But if weather matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
18 upvotes
Riley Gray
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value school system, you'll love it. The nightlife is genuinely challenging and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (The Heights) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Houston, be prepared for the culture shock. traffic is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
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.
15 upvotes
Joseph
as a local I can confirm
13 upvotes
evelyn_papa
I'm a marketing manager and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. The community is hit or miss and there's always something going on.
12 upvotes
Joseph Allen
My experience has been mostly positive. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The only thing I'd watch out for is public transit. Other than that, Feel free to reach out with questions..
6 upvotes
Grace D.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 38, moved here 12 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in North and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The walkability situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for couples. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 Salt Lake City, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $100K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
5 upvotes
Allison Morgan
Can confirm, been here 7 years.
3 upvotes
Julian B.
Moved here from Portland about 12 years ago. the quality of life is solid. Still getting used to pet-friendliness but Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
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