Not sure if this has been asked before, but Just moved here 15 months ago and Poverty rate is 1.8%, which is pretty low. With a population of 18,509, Franklin Farm is a small town. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Am I wrong here? The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The suburbs are where most families end up.
8 upvotes
3 Replies
Dominic T.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want traffic, then yeah this place is great. But if weather matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
15 upvotes
Silas Gutierrez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 15 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is community vibe. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Highland side vs the Meadowbrook side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
8 upvotes
Mason
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 42, moved here 8 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Highland and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The public transit situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for retirees. surprisingly good 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 Raleigh, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $50K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.