I'm a college student here and Crime rate is something to consider -Chatham sits at 46.8 per 100K. Average temperature is around 53--F, so expect cold winters. Poverty rate is 0.8%, which is pretty low. Rent is about $1,157/month for a decent place. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Should I be concerned? There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
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Easton Hughes
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 28, moved here 2 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in The Heights and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Property taxes are high
3. The nightlife situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for young professionals. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: 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 San Diego, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$110K 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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