Been meaning to ask this. I'm a 44-year-old mechanic and Median household income is $131,518, which feels pretty solid for the area. Homes are going for about $399,400 on average. Crime rate is something to consider -Contoocook sits at 83.8 per 100K. The unemployment rate is 1.6%, which is pretty low. Average temperature is around 46--F, so expect cold winters. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
Pros:
- Nice parks and trails
- Good healthcare facilities
- Strong sense of community
- Good airport connections
Cons:
- Limited nightlife
- Limited dining options
- Few job opportunities in some fields
- Limited cultural events
Worth the trade-offs? The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The city has invested a lot in new development. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
15 upvotes
10 Replies
Eliana
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 4 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is cost of living. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Westside side vs the Midtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
40 upvotes
Brooklyn Adams
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 13 years. Moved from Minneapolis for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - 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 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. Property taxes are high. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 9/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
36 upvotes
Ezra Rogers
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Definitely worth checking out..
32 upvotes
Bella Jones
We moved here with our family and it's been a really good experience overall. Schools in Uptown area are solid. Kids love it here.
26 upvotes
Camila Morris
100%
23 upvotes
Delilah W.
I work in government here and I genuinely enjoy living here. The job market for my field is underrated. Hope this helps!.
18 upvotes
Katherine Gutierrez
big facts right here
12 upvotes
Jordan
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value dating scene, you'll love it. The public transit is genuinely average and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (Eastside) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Nashville, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit 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.
6 upvotes
happy_quinn28
facts
5 upvotes
Thomas W.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. I have mixed feelings honestly. Compared to Austin it's pretty good.
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