Anyone else feel this way? We're a young couple and The median home value here is around $108,200, which is actually reasonable. Homes are going for about $108,200 on average. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Let me know your thoughts. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
25 upvotes
8 Replies
Caleb Baker
We moved here with our family and the quality of life is solid. Schools in Downtown area are tough. Kids love it here.
28 upvotes
Nora Ross
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Internet is excellent in most areas.
25 upvotes
real_cameron38
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 28, moved here 3 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in South and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The food scene situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for families. average vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $100K-$110K 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.
24 upvotes
Wesley Davis
I've lived in Midtown for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from Atlanta, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Four distinct seasons
- Close to major attractions
- The food scene scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for singles. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
22 upvotes
Ethan R.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 7 years ago from Seattle and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in South. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in finance. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like Italian.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
20 upvotes
Jacob Foster
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 57, moved here 5 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in Oak Park and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Homeless population growing downtown
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The traffic situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for couples. excellent vibes, walkable.
- East: 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 Atlanta, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $90K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
15 upvotes
Hailey Evans
Came here for retirement and stayed because it's not perfect but it works for me. The weather is honestly better than expected and I don't see that changing anytime soon.