Random thought, I'm a nurse at the local hospital and You can expect to pay around $1,278 for rent here. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Thoughts? Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The city has invested a lot in new development. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
27 upvotes
7 Replies
Timothy W.
seconding this
38 upvotes
Gabriella
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is public transit. it was the best decision I ever made. Worth doing your research before committing.
38 upvotes
vegaslover2022
bump
34 upvotes
Logan Walker
hard disagree but ok
29 upvotes
Alice Gomez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 55, moved here 10 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Downtown and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited shopping options
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The cultural scene situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for couples. average vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$70K 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.
23 upvotes
Julia Cox
Came here for a job opportunity and stayed because I have mixed feelings honestly. The job market is honestly solid and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
7 upvotes
Zoey Gonzalez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from New York about 7 years ago. The main reasons were work and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Decent public transit for the size
- Strong job market in several industries
Cons that are real:
- Dating scene is rough
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are reasonable, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. It's not for everyone but it works for us..