Anyone else feel this way? I'm a college student here and The unemployment rate is 3.4%, which is pretty low. Poverty rate is 8.9%, which is pretty low. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Any advice would be great. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
18 upvotes
17 Replies
real_arianna5
Came here for retirement and stayed because I have mixed feelings honestly. The food scene is honestly underrated and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
38 upvotes
Bennett Bennett
Bought a house here in 2024 and it was the best decision I ever made. Property values have gone about the same since then.
34 upvotes
Elijah Hall
good to know, thanks
33 upvotes
Julian Smith
it depends on the neighborhood
32 upvotes
Gabriel Johnson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Portland about 7 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Lots of new development happening
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Nightlife is limited
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are affordable, gas is decent.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
28 upvotes
Jose Ross
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. I love the pace of life here. Compared to LA it's tough.
27 upvotes
chicagomind2025
Came here for quality of life and stayed because there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The food scene is honestly hit or miss and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
25 upvotes
Hunter Cruz
Moved here from Atlanta about 14 years ago. I genuinely enjoy living here. Still getting used to housing market but Hope this helps!.
24 upvotes
fresno_henry
Came here for a fresh start and stayed because I have mixed feelings honestly. The job market is honestly average and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
22 upvotes
Autumn Stewart
Used to live on the South side, now on the Midtown side. Completely different vibe. it's exactly what I was looking for.
21 upvotes
Bennett Moore
I've lived in Sunset for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Denver, I was surprised by food scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good airport with direct flights
- The housing market scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for retirees. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
20 upvotes
coastal_wyatt92
Came here for a fresh start and stayed because it's not perfect but it works for me. The cost of living is honestly tough and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
20 upvotes
Sofia
hard disagree but ok
18 upvotes
Christian Thompson
yep
14 upvotes
Jacob Price
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I genuinely enjoy living here. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
10 upvotes
Angel Watson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from Houston about 8 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Lots of new development happening
- Good internet infrastructure
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are reasonable, gas is decent.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Good luck with whatever you decide..
8 upvotes
Adeline S.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 28, moved here 8 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Eastside and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Diverse dining options
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Nightlife is limited
3. The job market situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for remote workers. solid vibes, walkable.
- East: 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 average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $70K-$140K 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.
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