Hey folks, I'm originally from Omaha and Average temperature is around 74--F, so it's warm year-round. Poverty rate is 3.7%, which is pretty low. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Anyone in a similar situation? Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
0 upvotes
15 Replies
Ellie Adams
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 6 years. Moved from Atlanta for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2023 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. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have desert landscapes 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 improving. 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. Urban sprawl is real. Bugs and humidity in summer. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 5/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
29 upvotes
Anna Kim
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 29, moved here 14 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Old Town and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Can feel isolated
3. The cost of living situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for families. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 Seattle, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$150K 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.
26 upvotes
Connor Jones
noted, appreciate it
24 upvotes
Aubrey Cooper
following this thread
24 upvotes
urban_brielle70
bump
21 upvotes
Cora Turner
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 1 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The South side vs the Old Town side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
20 upvotes
Serenity Cooper
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 7 years ago from Dallas and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Midtown. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in engineering. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 5 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like Asian.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
18 upvotes
Levi White
The food scene here is pretty good. Tons of great BBQ places. it was the best decision I ever made.
18 upvotes
Axel Roberts
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 4 years ago from Tampa and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Oak Park. It's decent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like Korean.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
17 upvotes
Karen K.
interesting, hadn't considered that
15 upvotes
Piper Gomez
I work in finance here and it's not perfect but it works for me. The job market for my field is underrated. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
15 upvotes
Audrey W.
Weather-wise, the summers are challenging and winters are established. You get used to it after the first year.
13 upvotes
Lily Hernandez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 3 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Decent public transit for the size
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are growing, gas is excellent.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
11 upvotes
Joseph D.
I work in legal here and it exceeded my expectations. The job market for my field is hit or miss. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
8 upvotes
Eleanor G.
Bought a house here in 2019 and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Property values have gone about the same since then.
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