Hi all, Born and raised here. Median household income is $55,904, which feels about average for the area. Poverty rate is 13.0%, which is around average. The median home value here is around $241,800, which is actually reasonable. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Property taxes are high but you get good services. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Am I overthinking this? I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
7 upvotes
24 Replies
Kinsley Morgan
As someone who grew up here, it's improved dramatically in recent years. A lot has changed in the past few years though. cultural scene used to be much established but now it's average.
39 upvotes
Grace Hill
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 38, moved here 4 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The traffic situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for remote workers. improving vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 Raleigh, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $80K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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
Thomas King
literally same
28 upvotes
brooklyn_rider
wish I knew this sooner
26 upvotes
Evan Price
I'm a HR manager and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. The community is hit or miss and there's always something going on.
26 upvotes
Greyson Allen
literally same
25 upvotes
Gabriel T.
couldn't agree more
24 upvotes
Jace Gray
Used to live on the Old Town side, now on the Riverside side. Completely different vibe. I love the pace of life here.
24 upvotes
Josiah Ortiz
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 1 years. Moved from Minneapolis for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2018 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. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is decent - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. East schools are improving. 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. Homeless population growing downtown. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
24 upvotes
Thomas Ross
We moved here with our family and it exceeded my expectations. Schools in Old Town area are improving. Kids love it here.
24 upvotes
Skylar Rogers
I work in legal here and it exceeded my expectations. The job market for my field is tough. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
24 upvotes
Mateo
I'm a chef and I've found it exceeded my expectations. The community is solid and there's always something going on.
22 upvotes
cool_isabella15
Totally agree!
19 upvotes
Kaylee Davis
big facts right here
18 upvotes
Elena Castillo
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 41, moved here 10 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Downtown and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The public transit situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for couples. average vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 Tampa, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
18 upvotes
Martha C.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 49, moved here 12 years ago from New York. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The traffic situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for couples. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 New York, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $50K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
12 upvotes
Ellie Evans
I've been living here for 4 years and I'd say I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The housing market is pretty good compared to other places I've lived. Overall It's not for everyone but it works for us..
11 upvotes
Caroline Taylor
I'm a chef and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. The community is challenging and there's always something going on.
11 upvotes
Gabriel Hernandez
Weather-wise, the summers are pretty good and winters are stable. You get used to it after the first year.
9 upvotes
Theodore J.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value food scene, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely solid and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Fairview) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Houston, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
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.
8 upvotes
indy_melanie
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. I have mixed feelings honestly. Compared to Denver it's improving.
8 upvotes
Audrey Brooks
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are underrated, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
4 upvotes
Ella
been saying this for years
1 upvotes
Lillian Edwards
Public transit is solid here. You'll probably need a car for most things. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
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