Hi all, Been living here since 2006. Homes are going for about $272,600 on average. The unemployment rate is 2.2%, which is pretty low. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The city has invested a lot in new development. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
30 upvotes
13 Replies
Dominic Stewart
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from Houston about 15 years ago. The main reasons were weather and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Strong job market in several industries
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are growing, gas is improving.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Happy to answer more specific questions..
40 upvotes
Julian
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Compared to Charlotte it's tough.
34 upvotes
Christian A.
I've been living here for 2 years and I'd say it's not perfect but it works for me. The traffic is hit or miss compared to other places I've lived. Overall Happy to answer more specific questions..
33 upvotes
Philip F.
seconding this
30 upvotes
Austin G.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 11 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The North side vs the Westside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
30 upvotes
Claire G.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 3 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into running, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Uptown side vs the The Heights side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
25 upvotes
Hudson Foster
noted, appreciate it
23 upvotes
Jacob Phillips
My experience has been mostly positive. it exceeded my expectations. The only thing I'd watch out for is cultural scene. Other than that, Happy to answer more specific questions..
22 upvotes
Waylon H.
yep
16 upvotes
Ezekiel Brooks
Came here for work and stayed because it's exactly what I was looking for. The healthcare is honestly average and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
13 upvotes
Carson White
I've lived in Westside for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from LA, I was surprised by cost of living. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good healthcare facilities
- The outdoor recreation scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for couples. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
11 upvotes
Chloe
Moved here last year, no regrets.
4 upvotes
Lydia Baker
Hot take but it exceeded my expectations. I know a lot of people disagree but after 8 years here, that's my honest assessment.
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