OK so Crime rate is something to consider -Ashland sits at 416.1 per 100K. Household incomes average around $81,604 in Ashland. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Has anyone dealt with this?
14 upvotes
14 Replies
Matthew Sanchez
I've lived in Old Town for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from Charlotte, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- The walkability scene is tough
The downsides:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for young professionals. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
30 upvotes
Madelyn Smith
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value weather, you'll love it. The school system is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (South) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Raleigh, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit is completely different here. And Road conditions need improvement.
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.
30 upvotes
Amelia M.
accurate
20 upvotes
Connor Murphy
I'm a sales manager and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. The community is hit or miss and there's always something going on.
18 upvotes
Cora R.
not my experience at all
17 upvotes
Hunter T.
We moved here with our family and it was the best decision I ever made. Schools in Pine Hills area are surprisingly good. Kids love it here.
16 upvotes
Ruby Walker
I'm a HR manager and I've found the quality of life is solid. The community is average and there's always something going on.
15 upvotes
allison_walker
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 56, moved here 10 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in East and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally excellent - 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 developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for singles. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
14 upvotes
Aurora Flores
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Cedar Grove for 8 years. Moved from Austin for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. 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 3-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. hospitality 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's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Cedar Grove schools are challenging. 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. Limited high-paying job options. Bugs and humidity in summer. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 6/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
13 upvotes
Allison M.
I'm a project manager and I've found I love the pace of life here. The community is tough and there's always something going on.
11 upvotes
Chloe
Public transit is surprisingly good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
9 upvotes
Emilia Smith
I'm a data analyst and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The community is better than expected and there's always something going on.
9 upvotes
Elijah
Hot take but I have mixed feelings honestly. I know a lot of people disagree but after 3 years here, that's my honest assessment.
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