Hi all, Military spouse here. It's a a small town city with about 1,813 people. Average temperature is around 53--F, so expect cold winters. Poverty rate is 4.1%, which is pretty low. Household incomes average around $175,583 in Village of the Branch. Median household income is $175,583, which feels pretty solid for the area. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Worth the trade-offs? Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The city has invested a lot in new development. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The weather takes some getting used to. The suburbs are where most families end up. The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The weather takes some getting used to. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
6 upvotes
6 Replies
mountain_thomas50
I've lived in North for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from New York, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The cultural scene scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for couples. No regrets on my end..
39 upvotes
Evan R.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 9 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Uptown side vs the West side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
17 upvotes
Peyton Cooper
been saying this for years
13 upvotes
Liam Walker
not my experience at all
10 upvotes
Mackenzie
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 25, moved here 12 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited shopping options
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The cost of living situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for families. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 Portland, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $90K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
5 upvotes
Hunter Hughes
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 4 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Westside side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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