Anyone else feel this way? The median home value here is around $234,100, which is actually reasonable. Median household income is $51,674, which feels on the lower side for the area. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Anyone in a similar situation? I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
14 upvotes
11 Replies
Audrey Wilson
bump
37 upvotes
Jackson Young
Came here for work and stayed because it exceeded my expectations. The traffic is honestly hit or miss and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
37 upvotes
Evelyn Lee
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from Miami about 3 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Diverse dining options
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are wild, gas is excellent.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
37 upvotes
Violet Harris
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 6 years. Moved from Boston for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. engineering 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:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have state parks 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 excellent. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Road conditions need improvement. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 5/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
26 upvotes
Savannah Wright
Weather-wise, the summers are better than expected and winters are reasonable. You get used to it after the first year.
21 upvotes
Katherine K.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I genuinely enjoy living here. Good luck with whatever you decide..
19 upvotes
Colton Kelly
big facts right here
14 upvotes
Hunter N.
I've lived in Old Town for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from Portland, I was surprised by dating scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Affordable housing options
- The walkability scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for young professionals. Definitely worth checking out..
11 upvotes
Amelia Nguyen
hard disagree but ok
9 upvotes
Brielle Adams
Came here for weather and stayed because the quality of life is solid. The food scene is honestly tough and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
6 upvotes
Eliana G.
My experience has been mostly positive. it was the best decision I ever made. The only thing I'd watch out for is food scene. Other than that, It's not for everyone but it works for us..