Not sure if this has been asked before, but I've been here for 18 years and Homes are going for about $525,200 on average. Crime rate is something to consider — Cary sits at 66.1 per 100K. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Thanks!
52 upvotes
6 Replies
Jacob A.
Weather-wise, the summers are pretty good and winters are competitive. You get used to it after the first year.
35 upvotes
Miles Ramirez
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. it's exactly what I was looking for. Compared to Raleigh it's surprisingly good.
30 upvotes
Weston Watson
+1
28 upvotes
Greyson Thompson
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value nightlife, you'll love it. The nightlife is genuinely hit or miss and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (Fairview) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Dallas, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare is completely different here. And Not very walkable outside downtown.
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.
16 upvotes
Maverick
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 30, moved here 9 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Lakewood and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Friendly community, easy to meet people
3. Good healthcare facilities
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The cultural scene situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for singles. improving 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 Raleigh, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $80K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
14 upvotes
Adeline Howard
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 9 years ago from Atlanta and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Cedar Grove. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in consulting. If you're in finance you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 10 months to build a solid friend group.