Random thought, It's a a smaller city city with about 40,827 people. Rent is about $1,698/month for a decent place. Crime rate is something to consider -Friendswood sits at 63.8 per 100K. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. What do you all think? It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The city has invested a lot in new development. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The weather takes some getting used to. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
24 upvotes
5 Replies
Ariana
interesting, hadn't considered that
37 upvotes
Daniel Diaz
thanks for sharing
35 upvotes
Wyatt
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 Portland for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2020 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. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Homeless population growing downtown. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, 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.
7 upvotes
Aurora Allen
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Nashville about 2 years ago. The main reasons were weather and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Lots of new development happening
- Close to major attractions
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are affordable, gas is tough.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
4 upvotes
Mackenzie
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 1 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the East side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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