Anyone else feel this way? Military spouse here. Average temperature is around 61--F, so the weather is moderate. Poverty rate is 5.3%, which is pretty low. The weather takes some getting used to. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Would love some local perspective. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The weather takes some getting used to. The suburbs are where most families end up. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
14 upvotes
12 Replies
Vivian H.
wish I knew this sooner
35 upvotes
Paisley
I've lived in North for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Decent public transit for the size
- The public transit scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Rising rent and home prices
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for couples. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
33 upvotes
Mia Mitchell
I've been living here for 5 years and I'd say I genuinely enjoy living here. The job market is decent compared to other places I've lived. Overall No regrets on my end..
31 upvotes
Everly Hernandez
+1
26 upvotes
Audrey Torres
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 3 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Cedar Grove side vs the Eastside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
20 upvotes
Ruby Phillips
haha yep pretty much
20 upvotes
Victoria Richardson
Bought a house here in 2023 and it's exactly what I was looking for. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
14 upvotes
Thomas
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 47, moved here 7 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Fairview and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Friendly community, easy to meet people
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Can feel isolated
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The nightlife situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for retirees. surprisingly good 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 Dallas, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $80K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
8 upvotes
Gabriella Wilson
big facts right here
3 upvotes
Michael Rivera
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are pretty good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
2 upvotes
Bennett Wright
Used to live on the Eastside side, now on the Westside side. Completely different vibe. it's not perfect but it works for me.
2 upvotes
Leonardo Bennett
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 11 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. South schools are decent. 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. Homeless population growing downtown. Far from beaches/mountains. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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