Not sure if this has been asked before, but I'm a 29-year-old electrician and Homes are going for about $258,700 on average. Average temperature is around 52--F, so expect cold winters. Rent is about $1,259/month for a decent place. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. What do you all think? Thanks in advance! There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The weather takes some getting used to. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The city has invested a lot in new development. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The suburbs are where most families end up. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. 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. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
3 upvotes
15 Replies
Gabriella Miller
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Raleigh about 5 years ago. The main reasons were school and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Lots of new development happening
- Affordable housing options
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are manageable, gas is pretty good.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
37 upvotes
Connor Brooks
I've been living here for 2 years and I'd say I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The traffic is surprisingly good compared to other places I've lived. Overall Definitely worth checking out..
37 upvotes
Alexander Lewis
interesting, hadn't considered that
37 upvotes
Jaxon K.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from Miami about 15 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Affordable housing options
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are reasonable, gas is excellent.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
34 upvotes
Madeline Taylor
Used to live on the Westside side, now on the Pine Hills side. Completely different vibe. I have mixed feelings honestly.
31 upvotes
Jaxon Ross
it depends on the neighborhood
29 upvotes
Arianna Evans
good to know, thanks
29 upvotes
Peyton B.
lol so true
18 upvotes
John J.
good to know, thanks
16 upvotes
Alexa
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want traffic, then yeah this place is great. But if pet-friendliness matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
15 upvotes
Aria Morales
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 35, moved here 8 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Pine Hills and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Property taxes are high
3. The weather situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for retirees. tough vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $80K-$110K 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.
15 upvotes
Luca Lopez
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want pet-friendliness, then yeah this place is great. But if traffic matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
13 upvotes
Mateo W.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Eastside for 9 years. Moved from Boston for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Eastside schools are decent. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Limited public transit options. Far from beaches/mountains. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
12 upvotes
Lillian
As someone who grew up here, I have mixed feelings honestly. A lot has changed in the past few years though. food scene used to be much wild but now it's decent.