So, Household incomes average around $119,533 in North Laurel. Poverty rate is 1.7%, which is pretty low. It's a a smaller city city with about 25,201 people. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Any advice would be great. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
11 upvotes
7 Replies
Nicholas Edwards
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 2 years. Moved from Denver for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Downtown schools are improving. 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. Property taxes are high. Chain restaurants dominate. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 5/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
34 upvotes
Nevaeh
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 1 years ago from Raleigh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Uptown. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in legal. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 10 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like Italian.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
28 upvotes
Carson
I've lived in Riverside for about 10 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Atlanta, I was surprised by dating scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The cost of living scene is tough
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for singles. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
22 upvotes
Andrew
glad someone said it
18 upvotes
Autumn
I've lived in Eastside for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Tampa, I was surprised by food scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good airport with direct flights
- Diverse dining options
- The outdoor recreation scene is average
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Winters are long and cold
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for young professionals. Happy to answer more specific questions..
13 upvotes
mia_vibes
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I genuinely enjoy living here. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
12 upvotes
Jacob Hughes
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 26, moved here 8 years ago from New York. I've lived in Uptown and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The nightlife situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for retirees. solid vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 New York, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $50K-$110K 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.
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