Hey everyone, I'm originally from Miami and The median home value here is around $257,100, which seems about average. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Am I wrong here? It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The city has invested a lot in new development.
1 upvotes
4 Replies
Robert Ortiz
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 9 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. hospitality 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 genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is average - 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 hit or miss. 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Can feel isolated. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 8/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
33 upvotes
Santiago Ramirez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value housing market, you'll love it. The safety is genuinely hit or miss and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (Meadowbrook) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Phoenix, be prepared for the culture shock. nightlife 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.
20 upvotes
Delilah
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 54, moved here 7 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Riverside and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Affordable housing options
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Winters are long and cold
3. The healthcare situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for remote workers. tough vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 Phoenix, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$140K 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.
14 upvotes
emilia_local
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 30, moved here 3 years ago from New York. I've lived in Oak Park and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The walkability situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for couples. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: 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 New York, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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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