So, I relocated for work and Crime rate is something to consider -Novato sits at 263.7 per 100K. The median home value here is around $1,007,100, which is pretty steep. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The city has invested a lot in new development. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
10 upvotes
10 Replies
Everly Walker
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 1 years ago from Phoenix and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Highland. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in legal. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 15 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
39 upvotes
Christian Jimenez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 2 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the North side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
33 upvotes
Amelia Thompson
Moved here last year, no regrets.
33 upvotes
Nathan T.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are underrated, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
32 upvotes
chill_violet26
Came here for retirement and stayed because I'm still on the fence after all this time. The safety is honestly underrated and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
24 upvotes
Zoey Davis
My experience has been mostly positive. it's improved dramatically in recent years. The only thing I'd watch out for is cultural scene. Other than that, Feel free to reach out with questions..
23 upvotes
Ezra R.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from Chicago about 4 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Lots of new development happening
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are manageable, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
17 upvotes
Madelyn Robinson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Greenfield for 1 years. Moved from Raleigh for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is average - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Greenfield schools are excellent. 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. Nightlife is limited. Homeless population growing downtown. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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