Hey folks, Been living here since 2005. You can expect to pay around $839 for rent here. The unemployment rate is 3.7%, which is pretty low. Homes are going for about $164,200 on average. Household incomes average around $60,720 in Woodward. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Has anyone dealt with this? Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The weather takes some getting used to. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
9 upvotes
12 Replies
Carter Campbell
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 36, moved here 3 years ago from New York. I've lived in South and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The dating scene situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for young professionals. solid 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 New York, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $50K-$90K 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.
38 upvotes
Melanie Ramos
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 8 years. Moved from Minneapolis for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. 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. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Downtown 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Bugs and humidity in summer. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
37 upvotes
Arianna W.
As someone who grew up here, I love the pace of life here. A lot has changed in the past few years though. community vibe used to be much competitive but now it's solid.
35 upvotes
Camila Rivera
exactly what I was thinking
32 upvotes
Aaron Y.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want public transit, then yeah this place is great. But if outdoor recreation matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
31 upvotes
Henry H.
We moved here with our family and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Schools in Riverside area are pretty good. Kids love it here.
27 upvotes
Jessica R.
big facts right here
25 upvotes
Jace Hill
Public transit is challenging here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
24 upvotes
Sebastian Parker
Used to live on the West side, now on the Highland side. Completely different vibe. I love the pace of life here.
23 upvotes
Emily Peterson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 49, moved here 7 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The healthcare situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for families. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 Raleigh, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $60K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
21 upvotes
Miles M.
We moved here with our family and it's been a really good experience overall. Schools in West area are excellent. Kids love it here.
16 upvotes
Evan Cox
Came here for my partner's job and stayed because it's not perfect but it works for me. The traffic is honestly average and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
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