You can expect to pay around $1,180 for rent here. Crime rate is something to consider -Laconia sits at 223.8 per 100K. The weather takes some getting used to. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Does this match your experience?
10 upvotes
8 Replies
Landon Gray
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 55, moved here 3 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Oak Park and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Winters are long and cold
3. The walkability situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for singles. hit or miss 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 Portland, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
38 upvotes
Samuel Diaz
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 7 years ago from Atlanta and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in West. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in finance. If you're in manufacturing you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 9 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like Mexican.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
29 upvotes
Elijah C.
My experience has been mostly positive. it's not perfect but it works for me. The only thing I'd watch out for is dating scene. Other than that, Happy to answer more specific questions..
28 upvotes
Leo Hall
I've lived in North for about 7 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from LA, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Active local events and festivals
- The school system scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for couples. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
16 upvotes
Vivian Diaz
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. it's been a really good experience overall. Compared to Minneapolis it's pretty good.
14 upvotes
Ruby Brooks
I've been living here for 3 years and I'd say it was the best decision I ever made. The housing market is better than expected compared to other places I've lived. Overall No regrets on my end..
11 upvotes
Adeline Hughes
The food scene here is excellent. Tons of great BBQ places. I genuinely enjoy living here.
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