Curious what people think. I'm retired and Average temperature is around 63--F, so the weather is moderate. Homes are going for about $331,500 on average. The unemployment rate is 3.5%, which is pretty low. The weather takes some getting used to. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. What neighborhoods would you suggest? Appreciate any input. Property taxes are high but you get good services. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The suburbs are where most families end up. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
14 upvotes
7 Replies
Benjamin Gutierrez
I'm a social worker and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. The community is solid and there's always something going on.
39 upvotes
Jacob Roberts
interesting, hadn't considered that
28 upvotes
Kinsley Reed
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cost of living, you'll love it. The outdoor recreation is genuinely pretty good and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (Uptown) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Raleigh, be prepared for the culture shock. housing market is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
24 upvotes
Wesley L.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 10 years. Moved from Dallas for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is improving - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. North schools are solid. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Nightlife is limited. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 8/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
11 upvotes
Megan M.
thanks for sharing
11 upvotes
Eleanor Perez
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is safety. it's been a really good experience overall. Worth doing your research before committing.
7 upvotes
Sarah Nguyen
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Phoenix about 8 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are stable, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Definitely worth checking out..
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