Alright, My family moved here when I was a kid. With a population of 19,023, Norwood is a small town. It's a a small town city with about 19,023 people. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Am I wrong here?
1 upvotes
10 Replies
Benjamin R.
Moved here from New York about 13 years ago. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Still getting used to public transit but It's not for everyone but it works for us..
38 upvotes
Piper C.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 7 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is nightlife. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Downtown side vs the South side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
27 upvotes
Emmett C.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 10 years ago from Dallas and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Old Town. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in manufacturing. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 13 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like Vietnamese.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
26 upvotes
Delilah G.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Nashville about 4 years ago. The main reasons were work and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Good healthcare facilities
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are established, gas is underrated.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Good luck with whatever you decide..
26 upvotes
Jacob Mendoza
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 25, moved here 6 years ago from New York. I've lived in Westside and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Friendly community, easy to meet people
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The dating scene situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for singles. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 New York, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $90K-$130K 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.
24 upvotes
Reagan
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is healthcare. it's been a really good experience overall. Worth doing your research before committing.
22 upvotes
Clara
hmm interesting perspective
20 upvotes
Carson Castillo
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cultural scene, you'll love it. The public transit is genuinely challenging and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Highland) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Houston, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
17 upvotes
Madeline Kim
My experience has been mostly positive. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The only thing I'd watch out for is dating scene. Other than that, Feel free to reach out with questions..
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