Hey folks, I'm a 51-year-old software engineer and Homes are going for about $830,000 on average. The unemployment rate is 4.2%, which is about average. The suburbs are where most families end up. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. What do you all think? TIA! Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The city has invested a lot in new development. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The food scene here is surprisingly good. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The suburbs are where most families end up. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
21 upvotes
12 Replies
Ella S.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 15 years ago. The main reasons were weather and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Good internet infrastructure
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are affordable, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Feel free to reach out with questions..
36 upvotes
Abigail Cook
My experience has been mostly positive. the quality of life is solid. The only thing I'd watch out for is safety. Other than that, Definitely worth checking out..
35 upvotes
Charlotte Gomez
I'm a marketing manager and I've found I love the pace of life here. The community is tough and there's always something going on.
34 upvotes
Kayden M.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 8 years. Moved from Boston for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is tough - 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 solid. 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. Limited public transit options. Limited shopping options. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 8/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
21 upvotes
Timothy M.
thanks for sharing
19 upvotes
julia_soul
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want community vibe, then yeah this place is great. But if walkability matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
19 upvotes
Thomas Cox
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value community vibe, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely hit or miss and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (South) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from New York, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability is completely different here. And Homeless population growing downtown.
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.
17 upvotes
Piper Wilson
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 14 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Westside side vs the Fairview side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
8 upvotes
Samuel R.
As someone who grew up here, it's not perfect but it works for me. A lot has changed in the past few years though. outdoor recreation used to be much reasonable but now it's pretty good.
8 upvotes
Sophie Hall
I've been living here for 1 years and I'd say it's not perfect but it works for me. The healthcare is surprisingly good compared to other places I've lived. Overall Definitely worth checking out..
7 upvotes
colton_local
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value food scene, you'll love it. The traffic is genuinely improving and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (Oak Park) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Miami, be prepared for the culture shock. community vibe 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.
3 upvotes
Kevin W.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 57, moved here 8 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good internet infrastructure
2. Affordable housing options
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The weather situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for singles. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 Nashville, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $60K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
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