First post here. I grew up here but left for a while. You can expect to pay around $1,025 for rent here. Household incomes average around $59,842 in Burlington. The weather takes some getting used to. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Thoughts? Looking forward to hearing from you all. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Property taxes are high but you get good services. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The city has invested a lot in new development. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
1 upvotes
10 Replies
Melanie W.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Raleigh about 3 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good healthcare facilities
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Nightlife is limited
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are affordable, gas is underrated.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
35 upvotes
Alexa G.
Came here for family and stayed because it's been a really good experience overall. The safety is honestly decent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
33 upvotes
Arianna Allen
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 12 years. Moved from Tampa for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is tough - we have state parks 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 challenging. 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. Rising rent and home prices. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
32 upvotes
Lydia Ramirez
great question, following
27 upvotes
Thomas Evans
I'm a project manager and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. The community is solid and there's always something going on.
15 upvotes
Ariana
Came here for work and stayed because I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The nightlife is honestly challenging and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
13 upvotes
Luca King
Public transit is tough here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
11 upvotes
mesanative2022
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 28, moved here 4 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Lakewood and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The safety situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for singles. average vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 Austin, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
2 upvotes
Victoria P.
I've lived in Downtown for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Raleigh, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Active local events and festivals
- The nightlife scene is average
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for retirees. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
2 upvotes
Judy T.
The food scene here is solid. Tons of great Thai places. I have mixed feelings honestly.
All Countries
