Longtime lurker here, Average temperature is around 73--F, so it's warm year-round. Homes are going for about $391,900 on average. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The suburbs are where most families end up. Does this match your experience? The suburbs are where most families end up. The city has invested a lot in new development. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
2 upvotes
10 Replies
Ian K.
Moved here from Salt Lake City about 12 years ago. I genuinely enjoy living here. Still getting used to pet-friendliness but Feel free to reach out with questions..
29 upvotes
Mackenzie Miller
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 14 years ago from Minneapolis and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Highland. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in engineering. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 9 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like sushi.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
28 upvotes
Helen G.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely decent and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (Meadowbrook) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Raleigh, be prepared for the culture shock. cost of living is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
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.
28 upvotes
Elijah J.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Baltimore about 3 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Lots of new development happening
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are reasonable, gas is better than expected.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Happy to answer more specific questions..
19 upvotes
Kinsley H.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 31, moved here 8 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Friendly community, easy to meet people
3. Low crime in most neighborhoods
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Limited shopping options
3. The community vibe situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for remote workers. solid 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 Phoenix, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $60K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
15 upvotes
Ezekiel Lopez
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is safety. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Worth doing your research before committing.
13 upvotes
Jason M.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want safety, then yeah this place is great. But if weather matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
12 upvotes
Elizabeth M.
following this thread
10 upvotes
Leah Turner
This.
5 upvotes
Brooks Perez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from Salt Lake City about 1 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Four distinct seasons
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Nightlife is limited
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are competitive, gas is average.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
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