So, I've been here for 5 years and Median household income is $145,942, which feels pretty solid for the area. The weather takes some getting used to. Am I overthinking this?
11 upvotes
15 Replies
Liam Martin
Totally agree!
36 upvotes
Jonathan Brown
following this thread
30 upvotes
Lydia R.
glad someone said it
28 upvotes
Theodore P.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 13 years. Moved from Austin for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. South schools are improving. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Can feel isolated. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 7/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
27 upvotes
Claire H.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Raleigh about 12 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good airport with direct flights
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Limited shopping options
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are established, gas is excellent.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
23 upvotes
sacramento_weston
couldn't agree more
20 upvotes
Naomi Nguyen
Hot take but it was the best decision I ever made. I know a lot of people disagree but after 5 years here, that's my honest assessment.
15 upvotes
Everly Diaz
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Raleigh about 1 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Lots of new development happening
- Good internet infrastructure
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are established, gas is pretty good.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
12 upvotes
Willow Sanchez
The food scene here is decent. Tons of great Vietnamese places. it's exactly what I was looking for.
11 upvotes
Virginia A.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value food scene, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (Maple Ridge) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Miami, be prepared for the culture shock. community vibe is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
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.
8 upvotes
Skylar
big facts right here
6 upvotes
Aiden Cooper
This.
5 upvotes
Riley Harris
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 38, moved here 8 years ago from Boston. I've lived in South and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The outdoor recreation situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for families. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $100K-$150K 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.
3 upvotes
Serenity B.
We moved here with our family and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Schools in Maple Ridge area are challenging. Kids love it here.
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