Anyone else feel this way? Poverty rate is 12.6%, which is around average. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Should I be concerned? Thanks in advance! Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
4 upvotes
13 Replies
Everett G.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value community vibe, you'll love it. The traffic is genuinely tough and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (Old Town) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Raleigh, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability is completely different here. And Not very walkable outside downtown.
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.
38 upvotes
Alexander Wilson
Weather-wise, the summers are pretty good and winters are growing. You get used to it after the first year.
37 upvotes
Isabella Rogers
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 40, moved here 12 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Fairview and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Low crime in most neighborhoods
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Can feel isolated
2. Limited shopping options
3. The food scene situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for families. average vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 Boston, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
30 upvotes
Aaron
Saving this thread
29 upvotes
Caleb Lopez
Hot take but it's improved dramatically in recent years. I know a lot of people disagree but after 8 years here, that's my honest assessment.
29 upvotes
Lydia Evans
As someone who grew up here, it was the best decision I ever made. A lot has changed in the past few years though. public transit used to be much stable but now it's better than expected.
27 upvotes
mountain_valentina3
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 47, moved here 11 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Old Town and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Friendly community, easy to meet people
3. Good healthcare facilities
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Homeless population growing downtown
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The school system situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for couples. tough vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 Dallas, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$100K 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.
21 upvotes
Katherine Gutierrez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from Denver about 8 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Four distinct seasons
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Winters are long and cold
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are reasonable, gas is improving.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. No regrets on my end..
18 upvotes
Gianna Bennett
Used to live on the Oak Park side, now on the Cedar Grove side. Completely different vibe. it's not perfect but it works for me.
15 upvotes
Dylan P.
Bought a house here in 2015 and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Property values have gone about the same since then.
13 upvotes
Silas Cook
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. I genuinely enjoy living here. Compared to Tampa it's decent.
7 upvotes
Emilia Turner
I've been living here for 13 years and I'd say it's been a really good experience overall. The cultural scene is pretty good compared to other places I've lived. Overall It's not for everyone but it works for us..
All Countries
