So, I'm single, late 20s, and It's a a small town city with about 1,318 people. The unemployment rate is 4.0%, which is pretty low. You can expect to pay around $934 for rent here. Crime rate is something to consider -Dunlap sits at 410.5 per 100K. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. What are your go-to spots? I'd say it's better for families than young singles. 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. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
10 upvotes
15 Replies
Autumn
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value dating scene, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely better than expected and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (Lakewood) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Raleigh, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
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.
40 upvotes
Madeline Taylor
nah I disagree
31 upvotes
Mateo T.
I've lived in Westside for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from Austin, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Decent public transit for the size
- The job market scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Limited shopping options
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for singles. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
28 upvotes
Violet H.
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.
28 upvotes
Adam Morales
I've lived in West for about 10 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Minneapolis, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Strong job market in several industries
- The walkability scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Rising rent and home prices
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for remote workers. Definitely worth checking out..
23 upvotes
Wyatt Roberts
Bought a house here in 2021 and it's exactly what I was looking for. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
21 upvotes
Weston Campbell
100%
21 upvotes
Joshua R.
Hot take but there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. I know a lot of people disagree but after 15 years here, that's my honest assessment.
16 upvotes
Angela C.
Saving this thread
15 upvotes
Lily Martinez
Came here for a fresh start and stayed because I love the pace of life here. The job market is honestly tough and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
14 upvotes
Jack Murphy
100%
6 upvotes
Emmett Bailey
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 1 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into running, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The North side vs the Old Town side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
4 upvotes
Chloe Cruz
I've lived in Eastside for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Houston, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Decent public transit for the size
- The healthcare scene is decent
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for retirees. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
2 upvotes
Aaliyah Miller
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Compared to Charlotte it's surprisingly good.
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