Just moved here 15 months ago and Household incomes average around $97,110 in Norwood. It's a a smaller city city with about 31,380 people. Rent is about $2,056/month for a decent place. With a population of 31,380, Norwood is a smaller city. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
14 upvotes
7 Replies
Kinsley
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 12 years ago from Charlotte and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Maple Ridge. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in education. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like seafood.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
39 upvotes
Joseph A.
Public transit is hit or miss here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I genuinely enjoy living here.
29 upvotes
Riley Ortiz
I've lived in Old Town for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Dallas, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Lots of new development happening
- The job market scene is decent
The downsides:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for couples. No regrets on my end..
25 upvotes
Colton
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from New York about 11 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Active local events and festivals
- Four distinct seasons
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are reasonable, gas is better than expected.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Feel free to reach out with questions..
23 upvotes
Valentina Ross
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Atlanta about 10 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Nice parks and green spaces
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are competitive, gas is underrated.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
13 upvotes
Peyton Young
seconding this
4 upvotes
David Gomez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 49, moved here 11 years ago from Denver. I've lived in North and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Affordable housing options
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The school system situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for young professionals. average vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 Denver, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$150K 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.
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