Hey, I'm retired and Household incomes average around $70,913 in Clinton. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The weather takes some getting used to. The weather takes some getting used to.
29 upvotes
15 Replies
Naomi
underrated comment
39 upvotes
Aria M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 45, moved here 2 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in South and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Can feel isolated
3. The traffic situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for couples. solid vibes, walkable.
- East: 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 Charlotte, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $40K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
38 upvotes
Katherine Reyes
Moved here last year, no regrets.
38 upvotes
Jacob F.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 32, moved here 15 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Springfield and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Affordable housing options
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. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The nightlife situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for couples. decent vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
36 upvotes
Jaxon Brown
underrated comment
32 upvotes
Jonathan Sanchez
accurate
31 upvotes
Matthew Green
interesting, hadn't considered that
30 upvotes
Jace
I'm a accountant and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. The community is excellent and there's always something going on.
27 upvotes
Eli Alvarez
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are pretty good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
26 upvotes
Emilia E.
noted, appreciate it
24 upvotes
Mia C.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Fairview for 7 years. Moved from Chicago for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. tech 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 exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is improving - 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. Fairview schools are challenging. 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. Property taxes are high. Homeless population growing downtown. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 7/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
6 upvotes
lucas_mind
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want safety, then yeah this place is great. But if traffic matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
4 upvotes
Nora S.
Came here for family and stayed because I genuinely enjoy living here. The cultural scene is honestly surprisingly good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
3 upvotes
Nora Sanders
honestly same experience here
0 upvotes
Lillian M.
Used to live on the Greenfield side, now on the Old Town side. Completely different vibe. I genuinely enjoy living here.
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