Hi all, I'm a teacher here and Homes are going for about $625,900 on average. Rent is about $2,013/month for a decent place. The median home value here is around $625,900, which is pretty steep. You can expect to pay around $2,013 for rent here. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Worth the trade-offs? Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The city has invested a lot in new development. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The weather takes some getting used to. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
14 upvotes
8 Replies
Oliver Foster
Moved here from Seattle about 13 years ago. I love the pace of life here. Still getting used to school system but Hope this helps!.
36 upvotes
Genesis J.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 8 years. Moved from Seattle for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. hospitality 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 solid - we have hiking trails 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 solid. 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. Nightlife is limited. Dating scene is rough. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
30 upvotes
Gabriel L.
As someone who grew up here, I have mixed feelings honestly. A lot has changed in the past few years though. job market used to be much growing but now it's tough.
30 upvotes
Joseph Cox
accurate
24 upvotes
Ruby Morales
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a nurse who relocated here from Chicago about 1 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good internet infrastructure
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Limited public transit options
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are pricey, gas is average.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
23 upvotes
Emilia Murphy
Moved here last year, no regrets.
20 upvotes
dcgirl2021
good to know, thanks
3 upvotes
Ruby Peterson
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value dating scene, you'll love it. The safety is genuinely tough and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (Old Town) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from New York, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
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.