Been meaning to ask this. I'm a teacher here and It's a a smaller city city with about 26,979 people. Crime rate is something to consider -Ossining sits at 224.2 per 100K. Average temperature is around 49--F, so expect cold winters. Median household income is $100,997, which feels pretty solid for the area. The weather takes some getting used to. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Anyone in a similar situation? Appreciate any input. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The suburbs are where most families end up. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The city has invested a lot in new development. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
30 upvotes
9 Replies
roman_mama
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 3 years ago from Pittsburgh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Uptown. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in education. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 7 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like Thai.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
34 upvotes
Thomas D.
I've been living here for 8 years and I'd say I genuinely enjoy living here. The job market is decent compared to other places I've lived. Overall It's not for everyone but it works for us..
23 upvotes
violet_living
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 38, moved here 12 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Oak Park and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The walkability situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for young professionals. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 San Diego, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $60K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
21 upvotes
Piper King
I've lived in North for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Raleigh, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Affordable housing options
- The cost of living scene is improving
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Nightlife is limited
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for families. Feel free to reach out with questions..
14 upvotes
Ellie Sanchez
I've lived in Downtown for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from Houston, I was surprised by cost of living. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Decent public transit for the size
- The healthcare scene is decent
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for remote workers. Feel free to reach out with questions..
7 upvotes
Maverick Harris
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 12 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is cultural scene. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The The Heights side vs the Lakewood side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
7 upvotes
Willow
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 11 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is food scene. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Westside side vs the Midtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
5 upvotes
Lily L.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Compared to Houston it's surprisingly good.
5 upvotes
Kayden Ward
Used to live on the Riverside side, now on the Midtown side. Completely different vibe. I genuinely enjoy living here.
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