First post here. Been living here since 2007. Rent is about $1,355/month for a decent place. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Am I overthinking this?
13 upvotes
6 Replies
Ian C.
I work in consulting here and I love the pace of life here. The job market for my field is average. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
38 upvotes
Jerry L.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 25, moved here 14 years ago from Austin. I've lived in West and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The safety situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for couples. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- North: 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 Austin, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$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.
28 upvotes
Emily H.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value community vibe, you'll love it. The school system is genuinely average and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (Old Town) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Charlotte, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
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.
13 upvotes
Dominic Reed
I've lived in Fairview for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Raleigh, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Lots of new development happening
- The nightlife scene is improving
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Rising rent and home prices
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for couples. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
12 upvotes
Kennedy Robinson
Used to live on the North side, now on the Fairview side. Completely different vibe. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
4 upvotes
Isabella Rogers
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 9 years ago from Chicago and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in North. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in finance you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 4 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like farm-to-table.
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