First post here. I'm originally from Chicago and It's a a smaller city city with about 32,545 people. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Anyone in a similar situation?
11 upvotes
8 Replies
Santiago Ramirez
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it exceeded my expectations. Hope this helps!.
29 upvotes
Elijah Brown
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want outdoor recreation, then yeah this place is great. But if school system matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
29 upvotes
Kaylee Watson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from Atlanta about 1 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Strong job market in several industries
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are competitive, gas is underrated.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Good luck with whatever you decide..
27 upvotes
Leah
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 Tampa for a job opportunity. 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 a bit 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:**
finance is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have biking trails 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 improving. 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Limited entertainment options. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 6/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
24 upvotes
Aaron Allen
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want school system, then yeah this place is great. But if healthcare matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
17 upvotes
proud_eliana38
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 54, moved here 11 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Eastside and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The school system situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for couples. pretty good 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 Houston, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$130K 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.
15 upvotes
Evan W.
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 Boston for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. manufacturing 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:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is decent - we have desert landscapes 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. Dating scene is rough. Limited entertainment options. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 9/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
12 upvotes
Kayden B.
We moved here with our family and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Schools in Eastside area are average. Kids love it here.
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