Hey folks, Military spouse here. Poverty rate is 9.5%, which is pretty low. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Any advice would be great. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
51 upvotes
10 Replies
Avery Kim
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 1 years ago from Phoenix and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in South. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 17 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like Indian.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
38 upvotes
Aaron C.
this is the way
34 upvotes
Vivian Davis
honestly same experience here
25 upvotes
Bennett Robinson
literally same
18 upvotes
Joseph T.
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 New York for a fresh start. 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 down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is average - we have biking trails 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 decent. 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. Limited high-paying job options. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, 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.
16 upvotes
Nolan K.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Compared to Boston it's challenging.
15 upvotes
Sophia Howard
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is dating scene. I have mixed feelings honestly. Worth doing your research before committing.
13 upvotes
David Young
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The community vibe is genuinely hit or miss and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Eastside) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Francisco, be prepared for the culture shock. housing market is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
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
Owen Bennett
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 25, moved here 4 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in North and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited shopping options
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The housing market situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for singles. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 San Francisco, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $90K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with 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.
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