Not sure if this has been asked before, but I work in manufacturing and The median home value here is around $484,500, which is pretty steep. Rent is about $2,008/month for a decent place. Average temperature is around 56--F, so the weather is moderate. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Let me know your thoughts. The weather takes some getting used to. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The weather takes some getting used to. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The city has invested a lot in new development. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
16 upvotes
12 Replies
Cooper R.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 5 years. Moved from Raleigh for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. marketing 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:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have national forests 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 tough. 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Can feel isolated. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 7/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
39 upvotes
Arianna
My experience has been mostly positive. I have mixed feelings honestly. The only thing I'd watch out for is community vibe. Other than that, Hope this helps!.
37 upvotes
Leonardo
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 40, moved here 12 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Pine Hills and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Close to major attractions
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Limited shopping options
3. The safety situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for singles. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $40K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
29 upvotes
Gabriella Baker
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 15 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The East side vs the Uptown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
29 upvotes
phoenix_christian
I've been living here for 8 years and I'd say I have mixed feelings honestly. The cost of living is tough compared to other places I've lived. Overall Feel free to reach out with questions..
27 upvotes
eva_heart
I'm a project manager and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. The community is tough and there's always something going on.
25 upvotes
Avery
Came here for retirement and stayed because it's not perfect but it works for me. The healthcare is honestly decent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
25 upvotes
Barbara K.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 2 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Pine Hills side vs the South side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
24 upvotes
Julian S.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 8 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The South side vs the Greenfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
17 upvotes
Silas Stewart
Hot take but I love the pace of life here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 7 years here, that's my honest assessment.
9 upvotes
Benjamin K.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 3 years ago from Austin and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in North. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in government. If you're in finance you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 3 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like Mediterranean.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
6 upvotes
Nora D.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 46, moved here 13 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Old Town and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The walkability situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for young professionals. pretty good 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 Miami, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$150K 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.
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