I'm a teacher here and It's a a small town city with about 23,450 people. Poverty rate is 3.2%, which is pretty low. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Should I be concerned?
11 upvotes
4 Replies
Ezra Green
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Definitely worth checking out..
37 upvotes
Barbara N.
My experience has been mostly positive. it was the best decision I ever made. The only thing I'd watch out for is community vibe. Other than that, Good luck with whatever you decide..
16 upvotes
Kelly W.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Uptown for 11 years. Moved from Charlotte for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is average - 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. Uptown schools are average. 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. Road conditions need improvement. Limited entertainment options. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
14 upvotes
Savannah P.
I work in hospitality here and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The job market for my field is hit or miss. Good luck with whatever you decide..