Longtime lurker here, We're a young couple and The unemployment rate is 1.8%, which is pretty low. Poverty rate is 6.8%, which is pretty low. Average temperature is around 48--F, so expect cold winters. Household incomes average around $62,175 in Norfolk. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The city has invested a lot in new development. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
2 upvotes
13 Replies
Gabriel Murphy
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
38 upvotes
Melanie Johnson
I've been living here for 4 years and I'd say I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The job market is better than expected compared to other places I've lived. Overall Happy to answer more specific questions..
35 upvotes
Arianna M.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 2 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the Springfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
30 upvotes
Ezra Gray
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from Denver about 14 years ago. The main reasons were family and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Strong sense of community
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are manageable, gas is decent.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Hope this helps!.
27 upvotes
willow_chef
I've lived in Eastside for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Austin, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Four distinct seasons
- The walkability scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Limited entertainment options
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for young professionals. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
27 upvotes
Abigail Wilson
As someone who grew up here, I'm still on the fence after all this time. A lot has changed in the past few years though. school system used to be much manageable but now it's average.
21 upvotes
Greyson Gray
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value healthcare, you'll love it. The cultural scene is genuinely pretty good and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Cedar Grove) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from New York, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit is completely different here. And Limited entertainment 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.
19 upvotes
Victoria Howard
My experience has been mostly positive. it was the best decision I ever made. The only thing I'd watch out for is dating scene. Other than that, Feel free to reach out with questions..
19 upvotes
Joshua Miller
I've been living here for 14 years and I'd say it exceeded my expectations. The safety is tough compared to other places I've lived. Overall Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
18 upvotes
Philip C.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from Boston about 3 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Close to major attractions
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are affordable, gas is improving.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
13 upvotes
Charlotte Gonzalez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Midtown for 13 years. Moved from Tampa for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth down slightly 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:**
education is strong here. tech 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:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. 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. Midtown schools are challenging. 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. Nightlife is limited. Bugs and humidity in summer. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
7 upvotes
Elijah Green
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Raleigh about 2 years ago. The main reasons were weather and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Four distinct seasons
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are affordable, gas is pretty good.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. No regrets on my end..
3 upvotes
Mackenzie Hughes
I work in government here and it was the best decision I ever made. The job market for my field is average. Good luck with whatever you decide..
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