I'm a 51-year-old graphic designer and You can expect to pay around $1,002 for rent here. Homes are going for about $182,400 on average. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Any advice would be great. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
12 upvotes
7 Replies
Valentina Cooper
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 9 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Cedar Grove side vs the Greenfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
34 upvotes
nyc_sophie
Weather-wise, the summers are excellent and winters are growing. You get used to it after the first year.
34 upvotes
Kaylee Baker
Used to live on the Maple Ridge side, now on the Riverside side. Completely different vibe. it was the best decision I ever made.
32 upvotes
Alice Hughes
Used to live on the Greenfield side, now on the Oak Park side. Completely different vibe. I love the pace of life here.
19 upvotes
Lucy
I've lived in North for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from Salt Lake City, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good internet infrastructure
- The safety scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Property taxes are high
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for families. Happy to answer more specific questions..
15 upvotes
mesadude2024
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value public transit, you'll love it. The outdoor recreation is genuinely hit or miss and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (Highland) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Austin, be prepared for the culture shock. weather is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
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.
11 upvotes
Bella Diaz
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value community vibe, you'll love it. The nightlife is genuinely hit or miss and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Midtown) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Francisco, be prepared for the culture shock. school system is completely different here. And Property taxes are high.
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.
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