Median household income is $94,208, which feels pretty solid for the area. With a population of 62,986, Maricopa is a smaller city. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The weather takes some getting used to. The food scene here is surprisingly good. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
10 upvotes
4 Replies
Virginia A.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Hope this helps!.
36 upvotes
kckid2023
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 24, moved here 13 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Midtown and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Can feel isolated
3. The school system situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for remote workers. improving vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $50K-$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.
26 upvotes
Cora C.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The school system is genuinely improving and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (North) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Charlotte, be prepared for the culture shock. safety is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
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.
17 upvotes
Aurora Allen
I've lived in North for about 9 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 Nashville, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Strong job market in several industries
- The healthcare scene is improving
The downsides:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for families. Definitely worth checking out..