Hello, I'm single, late 40s, and You can expect to pay around $1,767 for rent here. The median home value here is around $646,800, which is pretty steep. Median household income is $88,792, which feels pretty solid for the area. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The city has invested a lot in new development. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The weather takes some getting used to. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
33 upvotes
3 Replies
Christian Jimenez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 40, moved here 2 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Lakewood and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Property taxes are high
3. The outdoor recreation situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for families. decent vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: 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 challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $70K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
38 upvotes
Elena Gonzalez
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 15 years ago from Tampa and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Highland. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in marketing. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 5 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like sushi.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..