Anyone else feel this way? My family moved here when I was a kid. Average temperature is around 61--F, so the weather is moderate. It's a a smaller city city with about 59,889 people. Median household income is $85,825, which feels pretty solid for the area. You can expect to pay around $1,483 for rent here. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The suburbs are where most families end up. The city has invested a lot in new development. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The city has invested a lot in new development. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The suburbs are where most families end up. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The weather takes some getting used to. The suburbs are where most families end up. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The suburbs are where most families end up. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
13 upvotes
7 Replies
Samuel Smith
literally same
39 upvotes
Nicholas R.
I work in finance here and it was the best decision I ever made. The job market for my field is excellent. Definitely worth checking out..
28 upvotes
Genesis Alvarez
My experience has been mostly positive. it's improved dramatically in recent years. The only thing I'd watch out for is dating scene. Other than that, Hope this helps!.
24 upvotes
Ava C.
Came here for cost of living and stayed because there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The housing market is honestly improving and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
18 upvotes
houston_elijah
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 52, moved here 14 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Greenfield and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The community vibe situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for retirees. underrated 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 Raleigh, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $50K-$70K 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
Lydia Smith
Hot take but there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. I know a lot of people disagree but after 15 years here, that's my honest assessment.
13 upvotes
victoria_mama
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 Pittsburgh for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
legal 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 genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is average - we have national forests 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 tough. 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. Urban sprawl is real. Dating scene is rough. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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