My family moved here when I was a kid. The city has invested a lot in new develop
11 upvotes
8 Replies
Naomi Reyes
great question, following
38 upvotes
Ashley R.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. it exceeded my expectations. Compared to Nashville it's improving.
36 upvotes
Nevaeh James
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 50, moved here 14 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in Oak Park and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Close to major attractions
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The housing market situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for couples. improving vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 Charlotte, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $90K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
32 upvotes
Ellie
great question, following
23 upvotes
Cooper Bennett
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 54, moved here 4 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Good airport with direct flights
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. Limited high-paying job options
2. Can feel isolated
3. The food scene situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for couples. average vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 Nashville, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $100K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
19 upvotes
Lucas Martin
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
13 upvotes
Michael Y.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 12 years. Moved from Austin for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2019 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. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - 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. North schools are average. 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. Homeless population growing downtown. Limited entertainment options. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, 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.
4 upvotes
Evan H.
Public transit is decent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's exactly what I was looking for.