Hey everyone, With a population of 35,782, Norristown is a smaller city. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
14 upvotes
12 Replies
Luke M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 41, moved here 12 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Midtown and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The healthcare situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for families. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: 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 Phoenix, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
40 upvotes
Melissa R.
Saving this thread
35 upvotes
Caleb D.
As someone who grew up here, it's exactly what I was looking for. A lot has changed in the past few years though. healthcare used to be much affordable but now it's tough.
35 upvotes
Kinsley Lewis
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 15 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is cultural scene. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Fairview side vs the North side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
32 upvotes
Kinsley W.
+1
31 upvotes
Emilia Gomez
Used to live on the Old Town side, now on the East side. Completely different vibe. it's not perfect but it works for me.
30 upvotes
Hudson James
This.
30 upvotes
Everett Morgan
lol so true
29 upvotes
Riley N.
Moved here from New York about 13 years ago. the quality of life is solid. Still getting used to community vibe but Would recommend to anyone considering it..
23 upvotes
Elizabeth S.
couldn't agree more
18 upvotes
Harper Stewart
I've lived in Downtown for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's not perfect but it works for me. When I first moved here from Houston, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Active local events and festivals
- Four distinct seasons
- The pet-friendliness scene is improving
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for retirees. Feel free to reach out with questions..
17 upvotes
Sadie M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 26, moved here 5 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Eastside and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Dating scene is rough
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The pet-friendliness situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for young professionals. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 San Francisco, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.