Hi all, I'm a college student here and Poverty rate is 4.0%, which is pretty low. Average temperature is around 60--F, so the weather is moderate. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The suburbs are where most families end up. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Worth the trade-offs? Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The weather takes some getting used to. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
16 upvotes
9 Replies
Nolan
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 9 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into running, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Eastside side vs the West side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
36 upvotes
Clara Sanders
great question, following
33 upvotes
sf_ethan
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 11 years ago from San Diego and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in The Heights. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in marketing. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 6 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
No regrets on my end..
29 upvotes
Eva Reed
Hot take but it exceeded my expectations. I know a lot of people disagree but after 15 years here, that's my honest assessment.
19 upvotes
Michael Ortiz
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 Miami for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is average - 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 tough. 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. Limited shopping options. Bugs and humidity in summer. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, 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.
12 upvotes
Charlotte P.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value public transit, you'll love it. The traffic is genuinely hit or miss and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (Fairview) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Baltimore, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
11 upvotes
Sadie Edwards
I'm a writer and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. The community is solid and there's always something going on.
10 upvotes
Zoey Martin
I'm a teacher and I've found I love the pace of life here. The community is average and there's always something going on.
6 upvotes
Isabelle Green
I've been living here for 11 years and I'd say it's exactly what I was looking for. The cultural scene is challenging compared to other places I've lived. Overall It's not for everyone but it works for us..
All Countries
