Longtime lurker here, I'm a college student here and Poverty rate is 2.5%, which is pretty low. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Does this match your experience? Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
15 upvotes
5 Replies
Madeline P.
thanks for sharing
31 upvotes
Jack R.
Moved here from Minneapolis about 15 years ago. it's not perfect but it works for me. Still getting used to job market but Good luck with whatever you decide..
29 upvotes
Julian Turner
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 14 years. Moved from Portland for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. consulting 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:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have lakes 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. Dating scene is rough. Homeless population growing downtown. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 7/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
15 upvotes
Luke C.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 50, moved here 13 years ago from Denver. I've lived in Riverside and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Decent public transit for the size
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The dating scene situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for families. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- North: 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 Denver, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$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.
9 upvotes
Maverick Ruiz
I've been living here for 1 years and I'd say it's been a really good experience overall. The housing market is underrated compared to other places I've lived. Overall Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
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