Poverty rate is 3.4%, which is pretty low. Crime rate is something to consider -Ardmore sits at 69.9 per 100K. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The city has invested a lot in new development. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
11 upvotes
5 Replies
Avery M.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value safety, you'll love it. The nightlife is genuinely decent and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (Uptown) is pricey 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 Traffic during rush hour 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.
35 upvotes
Judith H.
100%
35 upvotes
Waylon
as a local I can confirm
11 upvotes
Jameson Martinez
I'm a teacher and I've found it exceeded my expectations. The community is solid and there's always something going on.
9 upvotes
Margaret R.
I've lived in Uptown for about 10 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Tampa, I was surprised by cost of living. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Active local events and festivals
- The walkability scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Property taxes are high
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for couples. No regrets on my end..