Hey, I grew up here but left for a while. The median home value here is around $401,100, which is pretty steep. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Am I overthinking this? The food scene here is surprisingly good. The city has invested a lot in new development. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
10 upvotes
6 Replies
Elizabeth Carter
I've lived in South for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Chicago, I was surprised by cost of living. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good healthcare facilities
- The outdoor recreation scene is tough
The downsides:
- Bugs and humidity in summer
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for families. Happy to answer more specific questions..
37 upvotes
Isaiah Myers
glad someone said it
19 upvotes
phoenix_nicholas
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 14 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The West side vs the Cedar Grove side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
12 upvotes
David Morgan
accurate
10 upvotes
Claire Taylor
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Houston about 2 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good healthcare facilities
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Nightlife is limited
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are reasonable, gas is pretty good.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Definitely worth checking out..
9 upvotes
Adam Walker
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 8 years. Moved from Charlotte for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. East schools are tough. 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. Winters are long and cold. Dating scene is rough. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 8/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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