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Scarlett Taylor
best-worst
Carteret vs Albuquerque -which is better?
Hi all, Crime rate is something to consider -Carteret sits at 135.3 per 100K.
1 upvotes
8 Replies
fresnolocal2023
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from Nashville about 6 years ago. The main reasons were school and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Strong job market in several industries
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are reasonable, gas is underrated.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. No regrets on my end..
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from Nashville about 6 years ago. The main reasons were school and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Strong job market in several industries
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are reasonable, gas is underrated.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. No regrets on my end..
37 upvotes
Adrian Myers
Moved here from Chicago about 10 years ago. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Still getting used to healthcare but Hope this helps!.
33 upvotes
Camila K.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value public transit, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely tough and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Cedar Grove) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Nashville, be prepared for the culture shock. cultural scene is completely different here. And Limited high-paying job options.
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.
If you value public transit, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely tough and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Cedar Grove) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Nashville, be prepared for the culture shock. cultural scene is completely different here. And Limited high-paying job options.
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.
28 upvotes
Matthew White
great question, following
28 upvotes
Easton R.
Moved here from Boston about 15 years ago. I love the pace of life here. Still getting used to job market but Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
25 upvotes
Autumn Ortiz
I've lived in The Heights for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from Tampa, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The weather scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for couples. Good luck with whatever you decide..
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from Tampa, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The weather scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for couples. Good luck with whatever you decide..
10 upvotes
Michael Brown
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 48, moved here 13 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Riverside and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The cost of living situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for remote workers. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- East: 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 Boston, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$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.
Background: I'm a chef, 48, moved here 13 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Riverside and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The cost of living situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for remote workers. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- East: 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 Boston, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$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
Caroline Jackson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in West for 10 years. Moved from Miami for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. legal 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:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. West schools are hit or miss. 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. Urban sprawl is real. Limited shopping options. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in West for 10 years. Moved from Miami for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. legal 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:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. West schools are hit or miss. 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. Urban sprawl is real. Limited shopping options. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
5 upvotes