Not sure if this has been asked before, but I relocated for work and Crime rate is something to consider -Decatur sits at 200.6 per 100K.
23 upvotes
7 Replies
Waylon Walker
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from Baltimore about 14 years ago. The main reasons were work and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Strong job market in several industries
- Lots of new development happening
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are manageable, gas is solid.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
30 upvotes
Natalie C.
following this thread
29 upvotes
Carolyn M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 28, moved here 9 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Greenfield and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited entertainment options
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The safety situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for couples. decent vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $90K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific 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.
25 upvotes
Zoey Hernandez
Moved here from San Francisco about 13 years ago. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Still getting used to outdoor recreation but No regrets on my end..
22 upvotes
Gabriella Brooks
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value nightlife, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely average and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (South) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from New York, be prepared for the culture shock. pet-friendliness is completely different here. And Not a lot of cultural diversity.
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
Rebecca M.
As someone who grew up here, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. A lot has changed in the past few years though. nightlife used to be much stable but now it's pretty good.
12 upvotes
Ezekiel G.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value dating scene, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely underrated and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (South) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Baltimore, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
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.
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