I'm originally from Raleigh and Average temperature is around 50--F, so expect cold winters. The median home value here is around $90,500, which is actually reasonable. You can expect to pay around $870 for rent here. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The city has invested a lot in new development. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The weather takes some getting used to. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
8 upvotes
15 Replies
Maverick Morris
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Nashville about 4 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good healthcare facilities
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are developing, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
35 upvotes
Claire Carter
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want weather, then yeah this place is great. But if school system matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
33 upvotes
Naomi Nelson
Hot take but I love the pace of life here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 7 years here, that's my honest assessment.
29 upvotes
Caroline O.
following this thread
28 upvotes
Jace Turner
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 42, moved here 2 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in The Heights and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The housing market situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for young professionals. hit or miss 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 Atlanta, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $60K-$90K 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.
26 upvotes
Skylar Patel
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 34, moved here 10 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Riverside and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The community vibe situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for remote workers. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 Baltimore, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $90K-$120K 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.
21 upvotes
Skylar C.
underrated comment
16 upvotes
Eliana Morris
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Fairview for 15 years. Moved from Atlanta for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. finance 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:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have lakes 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 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 very walkable outside downtown. Limited high-paying job options. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 7/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
12 upvotes
Ezekiel Flores
Moved here from San Diego about 13 years ago. it was the best decision I ever made. Still getting used to school system but Hope this helps!.
8 upvotes
Isaac Rodriguez
yeah no that's not right
7 upvotes
Madelyn Evans
Moved here from Atlanta about 13 years ago. it's not perfect but it works for me. Still getting used to cost of living but Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
6 upvotes
Kai Price
Used to live on the The Heights side, now on the Uptown side. Completely different vibe. it's been a really good experience overall.
3 upvotes
Paisley Stewart
hmm interesting perspective
3 upvotes
Ryan Brooks
nah I disagree
3 upvotes
Jose
I'm a project manager and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. The community is decent and there's always something going on.
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