OK so I'm a 42-year-old lawyer and Rent is about $2,932/month for a decent place. With a population of 5,175, North Oaks is a small town. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Let me know your thoughts. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The suburbs are where most families end up. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
6 upvotes
2 Replies
Quinn Baker
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 5 years. Moved from New York for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. consulting 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'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. South schools are average. 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Dating scene is rough. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 6/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
39 upvotes
Stella Anderson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 26, moved here 2 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Oak Park and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Can feel isolated
3. The nightlife situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for couples. average vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 Portland, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $70K-$130K 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.
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