Not sure if this has been asked before, but Military spouse here. Homes are going for about $442,300 on average. Rent is about $1,527/month for a decent place. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The weather takes some getting used to. Cheers. The weather takes some getting used to. The weather takes some getting used to. The weather takes some getting used to. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
5 upvotes
7 Replies
Landon Lewis
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 11 years. Moved from Dallas for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is better than expected - 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. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Homeless population growing downtown. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
37 upvotes
Gabriel Walker
I've been living here for 2 years and I'd say I'm still on the fence after all this time. The cost of living is better than expected compared to other places I've lived. Overall Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
32 upvotes
Mason Garcia
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 38, moved here 14 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Oak Park and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The community vibe situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for singles. average vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 Phoenix, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $70K-$130K 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.
31 upvotes
Ethan L.
Bought a house here in 2018 and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
11 upvotes
Robert C.
hard disagree but ok
5 upvotes
true_harper78
accurate
5 upvotes
Ian A.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 39, moved here 3 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in North and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Friendly community, easy to meet people
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The safety situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for families. tough vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 Phoenix, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $60K-$130K 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.
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