Random thought, My family moved here when I was a kid. It's a a mid-size city city with about 177K people. With a population of 177K, Cary is a mid-size city. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The city has invested a lot in new development. Worth the trade-offs?
37 upvotes
18 Replies
Sofia
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 3 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The South side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
35 upvotes
mason_dude
Weather-wise, the summers are challenging and winters are manageable. You get used to it after the first year.
33 upvotes
Natalie
following this thread
28 upvotes
Genesis M.
I've been living here for 12 years and I'd say it's improved dramatically in recent years. The school system is improving compared to other places I've lived. Overall No regrets on my end..
24 upvotes
Aubrey Patel
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it was the best decision I ever made. Good luck with whatever you decide..
23 upvotes
Wesley Myers
Saving this thread
22 upvotes
Amelia M.
yeah no that's not right
21 upvotes
Denise B.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. it's been a really good experience overall. Compared to Denver it's pretty good.
21 upvotes
Ralph S.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 34, moved here 15 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Oak Park and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The public transit situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for remote workers. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$130K 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.
15 upvotes
Joshua Robinson
Came here for my partner's job and stayed because I'm still on the fence after all this time. The school system is honestly excellent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
14 upvotes
Isabella Rivera
nah I disagree
11 upvotes
Eliana Lopez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a nurse who relocated here from Chicago about 2 years ago. The main reasons were work and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good healthcare facilities
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are reasonable, gas is tough.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Happy to answer more specific questions..
9 upvotes
luca_runner
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Compared to Portland it's pretty good.
8 upvotes
Lydia J.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Fairview for 7 years. Moved from Seattle for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is improving - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Fairview schools are pretty good. 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Can feel isolated. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
6 upvotes
Mateo E.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is job market. it's exactly what I was looking for. Worth doing your research before committing.
5 upvotes
Claire Martin
big facts right here
5 upvotes
Camila Wilson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Portland about 5 years ago. The main reasons were weather and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Affordable housing options
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Limited public transit options
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are developing, gas is excellent.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
5 upvotes
Piper K.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 49, moved here 10 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Midtown and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The housing market situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for retirees. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: 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 Seattle, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $60K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
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