Curious what people think. I grew up here but left for a while. With a population of 672K, Washington is a major city. The unemployment rate is 4.6%, which is about average. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The city has invested a lot in new development. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Anyone in a similar situation? It's changing fast — some good, some not so much. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
3 upvotes
21 Replies
Jace Turner
Used to live on the Meadowbrook side, now on the East side. Completely different vibe. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
40 upvotes
Claire
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it was the best decision I ever made. Internet is improving in most areas.
40 upvotes
Cora Martin
Hot take but I genuinely enjoy living here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 8 years here, that's my honest assessment.
36 upvotes
Roman Thomas
Hot take but I'm still on the fence after all this time. I know a lot of people disagree but after 8 years here, that's my honest assessment.
34 upvotes
detroitheart2025
I work in manufacturing here and I genuinely enjoy living here. The job market for my field is average. No regrets on my end..
30 upvotes
Evelyn Chavez
I've lived in North for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Charlotte, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Four distinct seasons
- The cost of living scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for retirees. Good luck with whatever you decide..
27 upvotes
Emilia 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 7 years. Moved from Minneapolis for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is improving - we have mountains 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 excellent. 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Chain restaurants dominate. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
27 upvotes
Amelia M.
as a local I can confirm
25 upvotes
Jennifer M.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Fairview for 8 years. Moved from Austin for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. 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. Fairview schools are challenging. 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Limited entertainment options. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
23 upvotes
Noah R.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Meadowbrook for 2 years. Moved from Houston for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. 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 2-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is improving - 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. Meadowbrook schools are pretty good. 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. Dating scene is rough. Homeless population growing downtown. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 9/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
21 upvotes
Sebastian
as a local I can confirm
20 upvotes
Genesis C.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The pet-friendliness is genuinely challenging and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (Meadowbrook) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Boston, be prepared for the culture shock. weather 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.
14 upvotes
Natalie
noted, appreciate it
14 upvotes
Wesley Garcia
Hot take but it exceeded my expectations. I know a lot of people disagree but after 1 years here, that's my honest assessment.
13 upvotes
Aaliyah Thompson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Springfield for 10 years. Moved from Baltimore for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is tough - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Springfield 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Dating scene is rough. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
13 upvotes
sddude2020
I've lived in North for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from San Diego, I was surprised by food scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Lots of new development happening
- The public transit scene is improving
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Property taxes are high
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for singles. Happy to answer more specific questions..
12 upvotes
jax_christian
The food scene here is solid. Tons of great seafood places. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
8 upvotes
Ezekiel Ramos
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value weather, you'll love it. The nightlife is genuinely tough and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Maple Ridge) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Raleigh, be prepared for the culture shock. housing market is completely different here. And Property taxes are high.
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.
6 upvotes
Lauren H.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. it's been a really good experience overall. Compared to Austin it's average.
4 upvotes
Lucas R.
I'm a physical therapist and I've found I love the pace of life here. The community is tough and there's always something going on.
0 upvotes
Matthew F.
Hot take but I have mixed feelings honestly. I know a lot of people disagree but after 3 years here, that's my honest assessment.
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