Hey folks, We have two kids and Rent is about $1,067/month for a decent place. With a population of 36,043, North Ridgeville is a smaller city. Average temperature is around 53--F, so expect cold winters. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Would love some local perspective. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The city has invested a lot in new development. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The weather takes some getting used to. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The weather takes some getting used to. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The suburbs are where most families end up. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
2 upvotes
5 Replies
Michael H.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 30, moved here 12 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in East and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The outdoor recreation situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for remote workers. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 Raleigh, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$80K 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.
38 upvotes
Camila Allen
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 31, moved here 8 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Pine Hills and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Can feel isolated
3. The nightlife situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for couples. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 Dallas, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $60K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
29 upvotes
Roman Edwards
wish I knew this sooner
25 upvotes
Noah Walker
Hot take but I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. I know a lot of people disagree but after 11 years here, that's my honest assessment.
21 upvotes
Mason Y.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Atlanta about 2 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are affordable, gas is average.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Would recommend to anyone considering it..