Hello, I'm retired and Rent is about $1,805/month for a decent place. Average temperature is around 52--F, so expect cold winters. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. What are your go-to spots? Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
11 upvotes
8 Replies
Eleanor Carter
literally same
24 upvotes
Gabriel Smith
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 2 years. Moved from Minneapolis for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up significantly 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:**
hospitality is strong here. marketing 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:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have national forests 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 job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
22 upvotes
nola_natalie
This.
12 upvotes
Eli
Came here for school and stayed because it exceeded my expectations. The dating scene is honestly improving and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
8 upvotes
Lucy Clark
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 14 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the nightlife is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Uptown side vs the The Heights side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
8 upvotes
Easton Stewart
Hot take but there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. I know a lot of people disagree but after 7 years here, that's my honest assessment.
5 upvotes
Amelia Davis
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cultural scene, you'll love it. The outdoor recreation is genuinely excellent and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Meadowbrook) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Salt Lake City, be prepared for the culture shock. cultural scene is completely different here. And Can feel isolated.
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.