Hey folks, I work in manufacturing and Rent is about $581/month for a decent place. Median household income is $34,857, which feels on the lower side for the area. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Worth the trade-offs? The weather takes some getting used to. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
12 upvotes
11 Replies
Samuel Collins
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 15 years. Moved from Dallas for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is solid - we have beaches 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 challenging. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Urban sprawl is real. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
40 upvotes
Greyson M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 39, moved here 1 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Pine Hills and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The public transit situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for retirees. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: 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 Raleigh, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $50K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
39 upvotes
mesa_harper
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The public transit is genuinely hit or miss and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (Springfield) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Boston, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit is completely different here. And Not very walkable outside 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.
28 upvotes
Isaiah Anderson
great question, following
24 upvotes
Dominic Carter
Saving this thread
21 upvotes
Everett
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are underrated, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
20 upvotes
Peyton Sanders
thanks for sharing
4 upvotes
Adam L.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Tampa about 1 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good schools in most areas
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Can feel isolated
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are pricey, gas is improving.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Good luck with whatever you decide..
2 upvotes
Hailey
Came here for my partner's job and stayed because it's not perfect but it works for me. The school system is honestly underrated and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
2 upvotes
Willow Castillo
I'm a marketing manager and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The community is better than expected and there's always something going on.
1 upvotes
Hazel R.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 7 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Springfield side vs the North side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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