Anyone else feel this way? I relocated for work and Poverty rate is 4.5%, which is pretty low. The unemployment rate is 2.8%, which is pretty low. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. What do you all think? Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
3 upvotes
8 Replies
Valentina Brown
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 57, moved here 15 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Cedar Grove and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The food scene situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for young professionals. excellent vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $70K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
40 upvotes
Mason C.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's not perfect but it works for me. Internet is decent in most areas.
38 upvotes
Henry Price
I'm a lawyer and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. The community is hit or miss and there's always something going on.
23 upvotes
Aaron Mendoza
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is nightlife. it's exactly what I was looking for. Worth doing your research before committing.
22 upvotes
Lucy Lewis
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 4 years. Moved from Phoenix for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. legal 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 exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have state parks 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 solid. 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. Bugs and humidity in summer. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
18 upvotes
Brielle Thompson
Can confirm, been here 8 years.
17 upvotes
Matthew Brown
yep
10 upvotes
Lucy
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 6 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The South side vs the Westside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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