Random thought, I'm a college student here and Homes are going for about $214,000 on average. Average temperature is around 49--F, so expect cold winters. The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Should I be concerned? The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The city has invested a lot in new development. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The suburbs are where most families end up. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
11 upvotes
11 Replies
Maya Reed
interesting, hadn't considered that
40 upvotes
Lillian H.
Can confirm, been here 12 years.
31 upvotes
Anna Flores
exactly what I was thinking
28 upvotes
Nathan Reyes
nah I disagree
27 upvotes
Hailey Howard
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 2 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Lakewood side vs the Greenfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
27 upvotes
Charlotte Allen
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 4 years. Moved from San Diego for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is tough - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. North 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. Winters are long and cold. Homeless population growing downtown. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 9/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
21 upvotes
lake_bennett5
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from Salt Lake City about 2 years ago. The main reasons were school and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Strong job market in several industries
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are stable, gas is tough.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Happy to answer more specific questions..
20 upvotes
Grace Howard
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 43, moved here 13 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Sunset and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Good healthcare facilities
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The public transit situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for singles. underrated 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 Austin, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
16 upvotes
Savannah Harris
I'm a social worker and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. The community is hit or miss and there's always something going on.
11 upvotes
Allison G.
The food scene here is tough. Tons of great BBQ places. I genuinely enjoy living here.
0 upvotes
Roman Kim
We moved here with our family and the quality of life is solid. Schools in Meadowbrook area are challenging. Kids love it here.
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