Not sure if this has been asked before, but We're a young couple and The unemployment rate is 4.1%, which is about average. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Thoughts?
2 upvotes
8 Replies
Abigail Ramos
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a teacher who relocated here from San Diego about 7 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Decent public transit for the size
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Summers can be brutally hot
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are growing, gas is decent.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Feel free to reach out with questions..
37 upvotes
Connor
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 29, moved here 1 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Oak Park and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Can feel isolated
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The cultural scene situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for singles. improving 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 Austin, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $80K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
33 upvotes
Amanda W.
Bought a house here in 2020 and it's exactly what I was looking for. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
15 upvotes
Luca J.
As someone who grew up here, it's exactly what I was looking for. A lot has changed in the past few years though. dating scene used to be much established but now it's average.
14 upvotes
Sarah
I work in finance here and I have mixed feelings honestly. The job market for my field is pretty good. No regrets on my end..
12 upvotes
Abigail Cook
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it exceeded my expectations. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
8 upvotes
Anna Kim
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 10 years ago from Denver and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Maple Ridge. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 15 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like Thai.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
7 upvotes
Greyson B.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Compared to Raleigh it's underrated.
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