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Oliver Clark
moving
Moving to Norwalk for work -advice?
Hey, I'm a remote worker and There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. What would you do?
18 upvotes
22 Replies
Ryan C.
hard disagree but ok
38 upvotes
Ian Harris
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are average, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
37 upvotes
Brooklyn Jones
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Phoenix about 7 years ago. The main reasons were school and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Active local events and festivals
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are stable, gas is decent.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Definitely worth checking out..
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Phoenix about 7 years ago. The main reasons were school and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Active local events and festivals
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are stable, gas is decent.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Definitely worth checking out..
35 upvotes
Eugene P.
Public transit is challenging here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's been a really good experience overall.
34 upvotes
Jose Ortiz
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 5 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Old Town side vs the Eastside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
I've been here 5 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Old Town side vs the Eastside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
29 upvotes
Ariana Sanchez
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it was the best decision I ever made. Internet is excellent in most areas.
29 upvotes
Xavier Lopez
Bought a house here in 2019 and it was the best decision I ever made. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
27 upvotes
Ellie Torres
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is healthcare. the quality of life is solid. Worth doing your research before committing.
27 upvotes
Skylar Cruz
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 6 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Highland side vs the Pine Hills side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
I've been here 6 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Highland side vs the Pine Hills side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
21 upvotes
Maverick C.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 5 years ago from Salt Lake City and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Riverside. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in marketing. If you're in education you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 12 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like Mediterranean.
Definitely worth checking out..
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Riverside. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in marketing. If you're in education you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 12 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like Mediterranean.
Definitely worth checking out..
21 upvotes
Sarah Perez
hmm interesting perspective
21 upvotes
violet_runner
The food scene here is decent. Tons of great Thai places. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
19 upvotes
Adam L.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 10 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Cedar Grove side vs the Riverside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
I've been here 10 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Cedar Grove side vs the Riverside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
19 upvotes
Eugene P.
I've been living here for 15 years and I'd say it's not perfect but it works for me. The cultural scene is underrated compared to other places I've lived. Overall No regrets on my end..
18 upvotes
Elijah Thompson
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Compared to San Francisco it's surprisingly good.
17 upvotes
Hazel Gray
+1
16 upvotes
Aurora Morris
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 49, moved here 2 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Great outdoor activities nearby
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The cultural scene situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for young professionals. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 49, moved here 2 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Great outdoor activities nearby
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The cultural scene situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for young professionals. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
13 upvotes
Sophie Morris
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 5 years. Moved from Seattle for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth down slightly 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:**
education is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have biking trails 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 underrated. 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. Dating scene is rough. Homeless population growing downtown. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in North for 5 years. Moved from Seattle for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth down slightly 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:**
education is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have biking trails 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 underrated. 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. Dating scene is rough. Homeless population growing downtown. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
11 upvotes
Nora Young
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Oak Park for 8 years. Moved from Dallas for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2021 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. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. hospitality 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:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is average - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Oak Park 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. Limited public transit options. Homeless population growing downtown. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 6/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Oak Park for 8 years. Moved from Dallas for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2021 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. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. hospitality 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:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is average - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Oak Park 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. Limited public transit options. Homeless population growing downtown. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 6/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
8 upvotes
Audrey M.
this is the way
8 upvotes
Thomas Lee
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 14 years ago from Tampa and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Lakewood. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in education. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 15 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like Mexican.
Hope this helps!.
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Lakewood. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in education. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 15 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like Mexican.
Hope this helps!.
7 upvotes
Charlotte Hughes
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 48, moved here 10 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Westside and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good internet infrastructure
2. Affordable housing options
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The walkability situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: 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 Raleigh, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific 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.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 48, moved here 10 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Westside and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good internet infrastructure
2. Affordable housing options
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The walkability situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: 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 Raleigh, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific 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.
6 upvotes