Alright, I'm retired and It's a a small town city with about 1,067 people. Poverty rate is 5.7%, which is pretty low. Homes are going for about $105,100 on average. The median home value here is around $105,100, which is actually reasonable. The suburbs are where most families end up. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Any advice would be great. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The suburbs are where most families end up. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
11 upvotes
12 Replies
James K.
Public transit is surprisingly good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
38 upvotes
Miles Ramos
Can confirm, been here 15 years.
35 upvotes
Jayden Parker
bump
21 upvotes
Ella H.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 15 years. Moved from New York for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. 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 2-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. construction 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'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is average - we have hiking 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 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Limited entertainment options. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
21 upvotes
Emilia Phillips
Moved here last year, no regrets.
20 upvotes
Ariana Ward
We moved here with our family and I genuinely enjoy living here. Schools in South area are excellent. Kids love it here.
19 upvotes
Brian F.
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. walkability used to be much affordable but now it's pretty good.
17 upvotes
Carter Harris
bump
16 upvotes
Bennett Wilson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 27, moved here 5 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Springfield and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Affordable housing options
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The public transit situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for families. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 Miami, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $70K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
11 upvotes
Eliana
Weather-wise, the summers are average and winters are developing. You get used to it after the first year.
6 upvotes
Ezra
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I have mixed feelings honestly. Internet is tough in most areas.