Born and raised here. Average temperature is around 70--F, so the weather is moderate. The unemployment rate is 5.2%, which is about average. You can expect to pay around $1,089 for rent here. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Let me know your thoughts. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The city has invested a lot in new development. The weather takes some getting used to. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
6 upvotes
6 Replies
Ralph K.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 11 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is cost of living. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The North side vs the Meadowbrook side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
34 upvotes
Allison A.
Hot take but I love the pace of life here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 1 years here, that's my honest assessment.
31 upvotes
Jace
This.
30 upvotes
Leo Campbell
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Portland about 13 years ago. The main reasons were school and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Close to major attractions
- Affordable housing options
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Homeless population growing downtown
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are manageable, gas is pretty good.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Happy to answer more specific questions..
24 upvotes
Evelyn Clark
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 46, moved here 8 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Eastside and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The safety situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for remote workers. decent 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 Raleigh, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $90K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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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