So, I'm a nurse at the local hospital and The unemployment rate is 0.5%, which is pretty low. Poverty rate is 7.5%, which is pretty low. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Thanks! It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The suburbs are where most families end up. The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The weather takes some getting used to. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
7 upvotes
12 Replies
Angela T.
I work in finance here and I genuinely enjoy living here. The job market for my field is average. Feel free to reach out with questions..
37 upvotes
Audrey A.
My experience has been mostly positive. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The only thing I'd watch out for is healthcare. Other than that, Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
36 upvotes
Hudson
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Compared to Raleigh it's underrated.
35 upvotes
Ella L.
Moved here from New York about 15 years ago. I genuinely enjoy living here. Still getting used to job market but It's not for everyone but it works for us..
34 upvotes
Delilah Alvarez
underrated comment
32 upvotes
Karen M.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. it's been a really good experience overall. Compared to Baltimore it's surprisingly good.
30 upvotes
Parker Morris
as a local I can confirm
29 upvotes
Barbara R.
seconding this
27 upvotes
Noah P.
I'm a data analyst and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The community is surprisingly good and there's always something going on.
23 upvotes
Waylon Taylor
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Portland about 6 years ago. The main reasons were family and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are developing, gas is decent.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Good luck with whatever you decide..
13 upvotes
Isaac Lewis
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 27, moved here 2 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Riverside and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Affordable housing options
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Limited shopping options
3. The job market situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for couples. improving vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
6 upvotes
Daniel King
I've been living here for 14 years and I'd say I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The pet-friendliness is pretty good compared to other places I've lived. Overall Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
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