Curious what people think. The median home value here is around $644,300, which is pretty steep. Average temperature is around 56--F, so the weather is moderate. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Anyone in a similar situation?
13 upvotes
21 Replies
Abigail Gray
I've lived in North for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Dallas, I was surprised by safety. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Close to major attractions
- The healthcare scene is tough
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for couples. Happy to answer more specific questions..
39 upvotes
Aaron Stewart
I'm a pharmacist and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. The community is challenging and there's always something going on.
37 upvotes
Angel King
I've lived in Greenfield for about 10 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Raleigh, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The walkability scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for singles. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
37 upvotes
Natalie Rodriguez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value school system, you'll love it. The nightlife is genuinely challenging and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (East) is manageable 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 Limited public transit options.
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.
36 upvotes
Olivia Wright
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from Denver about 9 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Lots of new development happening
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are reasonable, gas is excellent.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Good luck with whatever you decide..
36 upvotes
James N.
couldn't agree more
34 upvotes
Elizabeth
We moved here with our family and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Schools in Lakewood area are challenging. Kids love it here.
28 upvotes
Madelyn King
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 45, moved here 12 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Pine Hills and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited shopping options
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The walkability situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for young professionals. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
26 upvotes
oaklandliving2024
Moved here from Portland about 4 years ago. it's exactly what I was looking for. Still getting used to outdoor recreation but Feel free to reach out with questions..
23 upvotes
Jordan Thomas
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a teacher who relocated here from Tampa about 8 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Lots of new development happening
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are competitive, gas is better than expected.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
20 upvotes
Daniel Howard
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I have mixed feelings honestly. Internet is pretty good in most areas.
17 upvotes
Parker
As someone who grew up here, the quality of life is solid. A lot has changed in the past few years though. healthcare used to be much wild but now it's improving.
15 upvotes
Joseph Allen
100%
14 upvotes
Violet Martinez
lol so true
9 upvotes
Emmett Long
We moved here with our family and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Schools in Westside area are solid. Kids love it here.
9 upvotes
Eliana
great question, following
8 upvotes
Henry Rivera
Hot take but I love the pace of life here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 14 years here, that's my honest assessment.
8 upvotes
Nevaeh Hall
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want public transit, then yeah this place is great. But if traffic matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
6 upvotes
kcliving2025
+1
3 upvotes
Reagan T.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 53, moved here 6 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Oak Park and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Affordable housing options
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Homeless population growing downtown
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The food scene situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for young professionals. better than expected 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 Boston, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $80K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
3 upvotes
William Brooks
I've lived in North for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Denver, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Four distinct seasons
- Close to major attractions
- The outdoor recreation scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Nightlife is limited
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for young professionals. Hope this helps!.
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