Alright, We have two kids and Average temperature is around 71--F, so it's warm year-round. Poverty rate is 2.0%, which is pretty low. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Am I wrong here? The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The suburbs are where most families end up. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
18 upvotes
2 Replies
James Nguyen
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 49, moved here 12 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Lakewood and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The community vibe situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for couples. excellent vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$90K 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.
38 upvotes
Doris R.
The food scene here is hit or miss. Tons of great Italian places. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
All Countries
