OK so Born and raised here. Poverty rate is 8.0%, which is pretty low. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Should I be concerned? Thanks in advance! It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
26 upvotes
13 Replies
Kayden Wilson
yep
32 upvotes
Michael Davis
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Raleigh about 9 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Decent public transit for the size
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Limited shopping options
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are wild, gas is challenging.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Hope this helps!.
29 upvotes
Connor Ramirez
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are challenging, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
28 upvotes
Hunter Stewart
been saying this for years
27 upvotes
Axel
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 4 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The North side vs the Highland side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
21 upvotes
Parker Stewart
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 1 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The The Heights side vs the Meadowbrook side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
17 upvotes
Walter M.
great question, following
12 upvotes
Aurora
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want housing market, then yeah this place is great. But if food scene matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
8 upvotes
Theodore Robinson
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Happy to answer more specific questions..
8 upvotes
chloe_girl
Moved here last year, no regrets.
8 upvotes
Sarah M.
Bought a house here in 2019 and I have mixed feelings honestly. Property values have gone about the same since then.
5 upvotes
Sarah M.
I've lived in South for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Houston, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Good healthcare facilities
- The pet-friendliness scene is decent
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for retirees. Definitely worth checking out..
4 upvotes
Gabriel Ramirez
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's not perfect but it works for me. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
All Countries
