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Jonathan Cook moving

Thinking about relocating to Charlotte from Los Angeles

Hi all, I'm a teacher here and Average temperature is around 47--F, so expect cold
7 upvotes

11 Replies

Michael G.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are surprisingly good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
38 upvotes
Aaron Brown
good to know, thanks
36 upvotes
Daniel R.
seconding this
33 upvotes
Delilah R.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's been a really good experience overall. Internet is challenging in most areas.
30 upvotes
Piper A.
underrated comment
22 upvotes
Diana R.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.

I've been in South for 11 years. Moved from Boston for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2022 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. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.

**Employment:**
legal is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.

**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. 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. South schools are better than expected. 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. Bugs and humidity in summer. And cost of living can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
20 upvotes
Cora Mitchell
Bought a house here in 2021 and the quality of life is solid. Property values have gone about the same since then.
10 upvotes
Mackenzie Mitchell
I've lived in Oak Park for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.

there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Nashville, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.

A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good healthcare facilities
- The housing market scene is tough

The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Chain restaurants dominate

Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for families. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
10 upvotes
Nevaeh
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Compared to Austin it's average.
5 upvotes
Nicholas Carter
Bought a house here in 2016 and it's exactly what I was looking for. Property values have gone about the same since then.
4 upvotes
Emmett Adams
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.

I've been in Old Town for 5 years. Moved from Portland for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.

**Employment:**
legal is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.

**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.

**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Old Town schools are tough. 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. Winters are long and cold. Bugs and humidity in summer. And dating scene can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
4 upvotes
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