Alright, People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
13 upvotes
14 Replies
Naomi
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is cost of living. I love the pace of life here. Worth doing your research before committing.
39 upvotes
Ian
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 5 years ago from Miami and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Old Town. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in manufacturing. If you're in engineering you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 11 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like Mediterranean.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
33 upvotes
Peyton Lopez
interesting, hadn't considered that
26 upvotes
Adrian Martinez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a nurse who relocated here from LA about 11 years ago. The main reasons were family and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Nightlife is limited
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are manageable, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Happy to answer more specific questions..
19 upvotes
Quinn Diaz
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The job market is genuinely better than expected and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (Springfield) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Diego, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
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.
18 upvotes
Isabella Anderson
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are surprisingly good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
17 upvotes
jace_mind
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 1 years. Moved from Raleigh for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is excellent - 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. South schools are pretty good. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Dating scene is rough. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
16 upvotes
Isabelle Phillips
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 1 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The West side vs the Uptown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
14 upvotes
Lillian
yep
13 upvotes
Wyatt R.
We moved here with our family and it exceeded my expectations. Schools in Cedar Grove area are solid. Kids love it here.
12 upvotes
Dominic Stewart
wish I knew this sooner
12 upvotes
Serenity Bailey
it depends on the neighborhood
11 upvotes
Ryan Martin
As someone who grew up here, I love the pace of life here. A lot has changed in the past few years though. pet-friendliness used to be much competitive but now it's surprisingly good.
6 upvotes
mesanative2022
Bought a house here in 2020 and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Property values have gone up a bit since then.