I'm a 52-year-old pharmacist and The unemployment rate is 1.7%, which is pretty low. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
13 upvotes
7 Replies
Evan Parker
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value safety, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely improving and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Lakewood) 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 Not very walkable outside downtown.
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.
40 upvotes
Carter
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 12 years ago from Tampa and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Midtown. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in retail. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 9 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like Indian.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
40 upvotes
Silas Long
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want school system, then yeah this place is great. But if cultural scene matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
24 upvotes
Naomi Morris
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 7 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Lakewood side vs the Downtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
20 upvotes
Willow Sanchez
thanks for sharing
9 upvotes
Logan C.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are solid, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
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