Random thought, I'm a college student here and Median household income is $83,253, which feels pretty solid for the area. The suburbs are where most families end up. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
10 upvotes
7 Replies
Everly Torres
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 6 years. Moved from Tampa for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. construction 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 wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have national forests 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 better than expected. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Homeless population growing downtown. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 8/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
38 upvotes
Bella Clark
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 5 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Lakewood side vs the North side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
36 upvotes
Nicholas T.
yeah no that's not right
30 upvotes
Harper
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 33, moved here 14 years ago from Denver. I've lived in Riverside and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The food scene situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for retirees. average vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 Denver, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
28 upvotes
Wesley N.
exactly what I was thinking
21 upvotes
Abigail Evans
I work in finance here and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The job market for my field is excellent. Good luck with whatever you decide..
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