Considering Big Flats vs Charlotte -help me decide
Longtime lurker here, Born and raised here. Median household income is $101,771, which feels pretty solid for the area. You can expect to pay around $1,394 for rent here. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Any advice would be great. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
9 upvotes
11 Replies
la_lucy
I work in manufacturing here and it's been a really good experience overall. The job market for my field is better than expected. Good luck with whatever you decide..
40 upvotes
Hazel Torres
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 6 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Old Town side vs the Maple Ridge side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
32 upvotes
Ezra Y.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 29, moved here 9 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Westside and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Dating scene is rough
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The cost of living situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for remote workers. 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 Portland, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$150K 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.
30 upvotes
David Cooper
Public transit is solid here. You'll probably need a car for most things. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
28 upvotes
Wyatt Baker
I'm a project manager and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. The community is average and there's always something going on.
22 upvotes
Julia Hall
facts
20 upvotes
Eva Price
spot on
19 upvotes
Sarah Long
facts
13 upvotes
Sadie Richardson
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value nightlife, you'll love it. The community vibe is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (Oak Park) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Salt Lake City, be prepared for the culture shock. cultural scene is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
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.
4 upvotes
Claire Carter
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 24, moved here 7 years ago from Houston. I've lived in North and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Property taxes are high
3. The nightlife situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for singles. hit or miss 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 Houston, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $70K-$80K 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.
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