First post here. Just moved here 17 months ago and It's a a smaller city city with about 53,726 people. Median household income is $47,885, which feels on the lower side for the area. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Should I be concerned?
3 upvotes
15 Replies
Bella Long
Bought a house here in 2015 and it was the best decision I ever made. Property values have gone about the same since then.
37 upvotes
la_lillian
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Seattle about 2 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Lots of new development happening
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are reasonable, gas is underrated.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Definitely worth checking out..
37 upvotes
Andrew S.
facts
37 upvotes
sunny_hunter61
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 15 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Pine Hills side vs the Uptown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
31 upvotes
Gabriel Murphy
lol so true
31 upvotes
Katherine Robinson
As someone who grew up here, it's exactly what I was looking for. A lot has changed in the past few years though. pet-friendliness used to be much developing but now it's average.
29 upvotes
Weston Sanders
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 7 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Midtown side vs the Highland side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
23 upvotes
Everett Moore
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 45, moved here 13 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Old Town and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The job market situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for young professionals. pretty good 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 Raleigh, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $80K-$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.
23 upvotes
Allison Brown
100%
19 upvotes
miami_ryan
interesting, hadn't considered that
18 upvotes
Scarlett Cook
nah I disagree
16 upvotes
jose_vibes
accurate
13 upvotes
Landon Price
wish I knew this sooner
8 upvotes
Serenity Cooper
I've lived in Westside for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Chicago, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good schools in most areas
- The cultural scene scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for retirees. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
7 upvotes
Noah Ramirez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely decent and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (Eastside) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Nashville, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Road conditions need improvement.
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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