Random thought, I'm a remote worker and Average temperature is around 54--F, so expect cold winters. Homes are going for about $297,300 on average. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
15 upvotes
7 Replies
Emily H.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value food scene, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely solid and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Old Town) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Denver, be prepared for the culture shock. pet-friendliness is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
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.
34 upvotes
Harper C.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 6 years ago from Austin and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Pine Hills. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in marketing. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 7 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like sushi.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
22 upvotes
Logan Campbell
glad someone said it
12 upvotes
Adeline Young
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is public transit. it's been a really good experience overall. Worth doing your research before committing.
6 upvotes
Eleanor Perez
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 8 years ago from Seattle and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in West. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in manufacturing. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 4 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like seafood.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
5 upvotes
Jonathan Wood
noted, appreciate it
0 upvotes
Parker
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 51, moved here 1 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Riverside and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Good healthcare facilities
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The pet-friendliness situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for remote workers. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 Raleigh, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.