I grew up here but left for a while. The unemployment rate is 0.6%, which is pretty low. Rent is about $977/month for a decent place. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. What are your go-to spots? The city has invested a lot in new development. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
5 upvotes
14 Replies
Isaac Anderson
We moved here with our family and it exceeded my expectations. Schools in Downtown area are hit or miss. Kids love it here.
38 upvotes
Emma
We moved here with our family and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Schools in Old Town area are excellent. Kids love it here.
37 upvotes
Megan H.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Miami about 14 years ago. The main reasons were work and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are growing, gas is average.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
34 upvotes
Ariana Patel
100%
33 upvotes
Jameson N.
Bought a house here in 2016 and I have mixed feelings honestly. Property values have gone about the same since then.
32 upvotes
born_luke37
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. the quality of life is solid. Internet is decent in most areas.
28 upvotes
Abigail Ramos
As someone who grew up here, it's improved dramatically in recent years. A lot has changed in the past few years though. food scene used to be much affordable but now it's solid.
21 upvotes
Emma R.
I've lived in Pine Hills for about 10 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 Denver, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- The safety scene is average
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for couples. No regrets on my end..
17 upvotes
Weston J.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's exactly what I was looking for. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
15 upvotes
Easton Cook
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value housing market, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely pretty good and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (Midtown) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Charlotte, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability is completely different here. And Nightlife is limited.
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.
15 upvotes
denver_violet
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want nightlife, then yeah this place is great. But if food scene matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
13 upvotes
Brooks
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 58, moved here 15 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Can feel isolated
3. The walkability situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for young professionals. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: 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 San Francisco, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $100K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
12 upvotes
Dominic Gray
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Old Town for 10 years. Moved from San Francisco for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Old Town schools are surprisingly good. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Property taxes are high. Chain restaurants dominate. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 7/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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