Longtime lurker here, Military spouse here. Median household income is $72,125, which feels about average for the area. Homes are going for about $503,400 on average. Crime rate is something to consider -North Auburn sits at 313.4 per 100K. Poverty rate is 10.2%, which is around average. Average temperature is around 61--F, so the weather is moderate. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
Pros:
- Good job market
- Nice parks and trails
- Good schools
- Lots of new development
- Plenty of shopping options
Cons:
- Sprawl everywhere
- Lack of diversity
- Boring for young people
Would love some local perspective. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
8 upvotes
5 Replies
savannah_dude
I've been living here for 14 years and I'd say I'm still on the fence after all this time. The job market is decent compared to other places I've lived. Overall Good luck with whatever you decide..
27 upvotes
Ellie P.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is weather. it's been a really good experience overall. Worth doing your research before committing.
27 upvotes
Chloe
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 53, moved here 4 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Rising rent and home prices
3. The public transit situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for couples. tough vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 Baltimore, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $70K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
19 upvotes
Axel M.
I've lived in Midtown for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Baltimore, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Good airport with direct flights
- The nightlife scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for young professionals. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
5 upvotes
Jeremiah Diaz
The food scene here is hit or miss. Tons of great craft beer places. I have mixed feelings honestly.
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