Hi all, I grew up here but left for a while. Homes are going for about $454,300 on average. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The suburbs are where most families end up.
3 upvotes
13 Replies
Harper
Totally agree!
36 upvotes
John Morgan
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 58, moved here 13 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Eastside and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The cultural scene situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for singles. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 Boston, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
27 upvotes
Adam Hall
big facts right here
22 upvotes
indypapa2021
seconding this
21 upvotes
Sadie H.
Came here for weather and stayed because there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The public transit is honestly solid and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
17 upvotes
Melanie Wood
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are challenging, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
16 upvotes
Elena Foster
Weather-wise, the summers are decent and winters are competitive. You get used to it after the first year.
15 upvotes
Abigail Morris
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's not perfect but it works for me. Good luck with whatever you decide..
11 upvotes
Marie R.
Weather-wise, the summers are challenging and winters are growing. You get used to it after the first year.
10 upvotes
Mia Lopez
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. I genuinely enjoy living here. Compared to Raleigh it's decent.
10 upvotes
Gary J.
Weather-wise, the summers are tough and winters are established. You get used to it after the first year.
10 upvotes
Nora Price
I'm a real estate agent and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. The community is excellent and there's always something going on.
9 upvotes
Jessica R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 39, moved here 1 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Friendly community, easy to meet people
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The school system situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for young professionals. average vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 Tampa, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$90K 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.
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