Alright, We're a young couple and You can expect to pay around $818 for rent here. It's a a small town city with about 6,668 people. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Should I be concerned? I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
10 upvotes
4 Replies
Brooklyn Bennett
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from San Diego about 3 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Close to major attractions
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are competitive, gas is decent.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
33 upvotes
Jonathan Hill
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value school system, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely average and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (Meadowbrook) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Tampa, be prepared for the culture shock. weather is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
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.
28 upvotes
Josiah R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 38, moved here 3 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Sunset and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The safety situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for young professionals. tough vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 San Diego, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $80K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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
Nicholas Baker
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 51, moved here 7 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Riverside and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The walkability situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for remote workers. underrated 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 underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $90K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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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