So, I'm a remote worker and Rent is about $1,591/month for a decent place. Homes are going for about $381,400 on average. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. What would you do? It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
18 upvotes
15 Replies
Jace Davis
My experience has been mostly positive. it was the best decision I ever made. The only thing I'd watch out for is traffic. Other than that, Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
38 upvotes
Skylar Smith
glad someone said it
34 upvotes
Luke Bennett
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 14 years. Moved from Raleigh for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. manufacturing 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's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - 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 underrated. 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. Road conditions need improvement. Far from beaches/mountains. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
32 upvotes
Eric R.
The food scene here is decent. Tons of great Thai places. it's not perfect but it works for me.
32 upvotes
Ellie Howard
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cost of living, you'll love it. The school system is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (South) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Francisco, be prepared for the culture shock. school system is completely different here. And Not a lot of cultural diversity.
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.
28 upvotes
Willow Adams
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The nightlife is genuinely decent and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (South) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Francisco, be prepared for the culture shock. housing market is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
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.
25 upvotes
Serenity Watson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from Minneapolis about 13 years ago. The main reasons were work and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Urban sprawl is real
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 developing, gas is improving.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Definitely worth checking out..
22 upvotes
Ruby Davis
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from San Francisco about 4 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Lots of new development happening
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Urban sprawl is real
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are established, gas is solid.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Happy to answer more specific questions..
12 upvotes
Ezra M.
I've been living here for 14 years and I'd say it's exactly what I was looking for. The food scene is improving compared to other places I've lived. Overall It's not for everyone but it works for us..
12 upvotes
Samuel J.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value traffic, you'll love it. The traffic is genuinely hit or miss and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (Eastside) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from LA, be prepared for the culture shock. safety is completely different here. And Chain restaurants dominate.
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
Jameson James
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value food scene, you'll love it. The public transit is genuinely tough and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Old Town) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Phoenix, 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.
11 upvotes
Vincent S.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's been a really good experience overall. Internet is surprisingly good in most areas.
10 upvotes
Nolan Thomas
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are hit or miss, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
6 upvotes
Maverick Campbell
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Austin about 11 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good schools in most areas
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are established, gas is pretty good.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
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