First post here. Average temperature is around 51--F, so expect cold winters. You can expect to pay around $848 for rent here. Household incomes average around $45,829 in Marion. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Does this match your experience? It's not perfect, but the community is solid. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The suburbs are where most families end up. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
26 upvotes
22 Replies
Nathan C.
I've lived in North for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by food scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Active local events and festivals
- The public transit scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for couples. Happy to answer more specific questions..
33 upvotes
Jack Taylor
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it exceeded my expectations. Feel free to reach out with questions..
33 upvotes
Jameson Lopez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 3 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Good airport with direct flights
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are competitive, gas is solid.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Happy to answer more specific questions..
32 upvotes
Cora T.
seconding this
31 upvotes
Keith F.
My experience has been mostly positive. it was the best decision I ever made. The only thing I'd watch out for is cost of living. Other than that, Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
28 upvotes
William M.
couldn't agree more
28 upvotes
Levi Hughes
I'm a HR manager and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. The community is challenging and there's always something going on.
27 upvotes
Aurora R.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The cultural scene is genuinely challenging and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (North) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Francisco, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Limited high-paying job options.
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.
27 upvotes
Wesley Morales
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are challenging, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
26 upvotes
Rylee H.
Moved here last year, no regrets.
24 upvotes
Dylan Alvarez
I've lived in Highland for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Charlotte, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Decent public transit for the size
- The cost of living scene is decent
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for remote workers. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
23 upvotes
Jeremiah Williams
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want healthcare, then yeah this place is great. But if cost of living matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
21 upvotes
Hazel Nelson
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. it's not perfect but it works for me. Compared to San Diego it's pretty good.
20 upvotes
Deborah R.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Uptown for 15 years. Moved from New York for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. real estate 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 have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is underrated - 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. Uptown schools are better than expected. 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 5/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
17 upvotes
Roman C.
underrated comment
8 upvotes
Joseph
Bought a house here in 2018 and it's exactly what I was looking for. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
7 upvotes
Addison Bennett
not my experience at all
6 upvotes
Jeffrey F.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are solid, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
5 upvotes
Elijah Jackson
Moved here from Phoenix about 6 years ago. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Still getting used to pet-friendliness but Hope this helps!.
5 upvotes
tucsonmama2021
couldn't agree more
3 upvotes
Roger H.
thanks for sharing
2 upvotes
Henry W.
I work in manufacturing here and it was the best decision I ever made. The job market for my field is hit or miss. Hope this helps!.
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