Hi all, Just moved here 3 months ago 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. The unemployment rate is 4.1%, which is about average. You can expect to pay around $2,422 for rent here. Property taxes are high but you get good services. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The suburbs are where most families end up. Is this normal for Novato? I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The suburbs are where most families end up. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The city has invested a lot in new development. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
16 upvotes
7 Replies
Judith R.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is outdoor recreation. it's exactly what I was looking for. Worth doing your research before committing.
37 upvotes
Owen T.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 8 years. Moved from Atlanta for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. healthcare 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'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is challenging - 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. Lakewood schools are better than expected. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Limited high-paying job options. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 7/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
32 upvotes
Asher Torres
We moved here with our family and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Schools in Cedar Grove area are challenging. Kids love it here.
28 upvotes
David K.
Hot take but it's improved dramatically in recent years. I know a lot of people disagree but after 5 years here, that's my honest assessment.
18 upvotes
Jayden Parker
As someone who grew up here, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. A lot has changed in the past few years though. safety used to be much reasonable but now it's improving.
8 upvotes
raised_gabriella7
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 1 years. Moved from Tampa for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. engineering 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:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is challenging - 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 decent. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Not very walkable outside downtown. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 6/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
3 upvotes
Noah Smith
Bought a house here in 2023 and it's been a really good experience overall. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
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