Been meaning to ask this. Homes are going for about $274,600 on average. Median household income is $55,732, which feels about average for the area. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. TIA! I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
13 upvotes
13 Replies
Emily R.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is housing market. it's been a really good experience overall. Worth doing your research before committing.
38 upvotes
Ruby G.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Internet is surprisingly good in most areas.
38 upvotes
Skylar Howard
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 43, moved here 8 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Sunset and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The healthcare situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for young professionals. average vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 Miami, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$70K 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.
33 upvotes
Reagan R.
Saving this thread
25 upvotes
Julia O.
facts
25 upvotes
Hannah W.
great question, following
13 upvotes
Everett White
been saying this for years
9 upvotes
Nevaeh
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a nurse who relocated here from Charlotte about 12 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Active local events and festivals
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Dating scene is rough
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are pricey, gas is challenging.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Definitely worth checking out..
8 upvotes
Allison Parker
We moved here with our family and I genuinely enjoy living here. Schools in Oak Park area are surprisingly good. Kids love it here.
7 upvotes
Roman Anderson
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are tough, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
6 upvotes
Daniel Williams
Bought a house here in 2019 and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
5 upvotes
Brooks Parker
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from Houston about 2 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good healthcare facilities
- Lots of new development happening
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are manageable, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Happy to answer more specific questions..
2 upvotes
Axel Edwards
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 24, moved here 13 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Greenfield and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Affordable housing options
2. Strong sense of community
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The walkability situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for remote workers. challenging 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 Raleigh, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $80K-$120K 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.
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