I'm a college student here and The unemployment rate is 0.4%, which is pretty low. Homes are going for about $162,000 on average. Median household income is $71,898, which feels about average for the area. You can expect to pay around $829 for rent here. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The suburbs are where most families end up. Am I wrong here? Any help is appreciated. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
7 upvotes
13 Replies
Joseph B.
lol so true
39 upvotes
Waylon Ramos
hmm interesting perspective
37 upvotes
Aaron Bailey
Came here for weather and stayed because it's been a really good experience overall. The nightlife is honestly hit or miss and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
34 upvotes
Harper Kim
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's been a really good experience overall. Feel free to reach out with questions..
33 upvotes
Jack Long
I've been living here for 13 years and I'd say I love the pace of life here. The pet-friendliness is tough compared to other places I've lived. Overall It's not for everyone but it works for us..
33 upvotes
Jacqueline O.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 27, moved here 8 years ago from Denver. I've lived in South and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Can feel isolated
3. The safety situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for remote workers. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: 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 challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$80K 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.
26 upvotes
Billy W.
facts
23 upvotes
Avery Rivera
Used to live on the Cedar Grove side, now on the Fairview side. Completely different vibe. I genuinely enjoy living here.
22 upvotes
Robert Howard
following this thread
21 upvotes
omahachef2024
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 13 years. Moved from Houston for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. construction 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:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is tough - 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 decent. 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. Urban sprawl is real. Limited entertainment options. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 7/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
18 upvotes
chicago_aria
I've lived in Cedar Grove for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Atlanta, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The outdoor recreation scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Property taxes are high
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for remote workers. Hope this helps!.
17 upvotes
Ella J.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from San Diego about 9 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good healthcare facilities
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are stable, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
10 upvotes
Roman Reyes
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value community vibe, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely challenging and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (Cedar Grove) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Francisco, be prepared for the culture shock. community vibe is completely different here. And Dating scene is rough.
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.