Been meaning to ask this. I'm a remote worker and You can expect to pay around $943 for rent here. Poverty rate is 6.9%, which is pretty low. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The suburbs are where most families end up. Thanks for reading. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
25 upvotes
12 Replies
Scarlett Hughes
My experience has been mostly positive. it exceeded my expectations. The only thing I'd watch out for is traffic. Other than that, It's not for everyone but it works for us..
37 upvotes
Bennett Wright
spot on
32 upvotes
Eva Collins
Used to live on the Downtown side, now on the Old Town side. Completely different vibe. it's not perfect but it works for me.
29 upvotes
Kayden Collins
wish I knew this sooner
28 upvotes
Maverick H.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 14 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is cultural scene. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Maple Ridge side vs the Old Town side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
22 upvotes
Caroline Rogers
as a local I can confirm
20 upvotes
desert_brooklyn29
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 9 years. Moved from Austin for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2024 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. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
consulting 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 improved dramatically in recent years. 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 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. Property taxes are high. Far from beaches/mountains. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 5/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
15 upvotes
Emmett
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Internet is hit or miss in most areas.
12 upvotes
Cameron N.
this is the way
12 upvotes
Zoe Wright
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely better than expected and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (North) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Chicago, be prepared for the culture shock. school system is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
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.
8 upvotes
Kai Mitchell
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 38, moved here 8 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in North and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Property taxes are high
3. The outdoor recreation situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for singles. solid vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 Baltimore, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $60K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific 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.
5 upvotes
raleighmama2021
I've been living here for 10 years and I'd say it's not perfect but it works for me. The dating scene is tough compared to other places I've lived. Overall Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
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