Sign In Register
Alan W. moving

Should I move to Gastonia or stay in Seattle?

Rent is about $1,145/month for a decent place. Homes are going for about $250,000 on average. You can expect to pay around $1,145 for rent here. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. What neighborhoods would you suggest? People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The weather takes some getting used to. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
4 upvotes

3 Replies

urban_emily61
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.

I'm a writer who relocated here from Nashville about 1 years ago. The main reasons were work and a fresh start.

Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Decent public transit for the size
- Lots of family-friendly activities

Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Not very walkable outside downtown

Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are affordable, gas is excellent.

Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Happy to answer more specific questions..
29 upvotes
Thomas Evans
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.

I've been here 15 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.

That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is excellent.

Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Uptown side vs the Springfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.

It's not for everyone but it works for us..
12 upvotes
sarah_heart
Moved here from San Diego about 13 years ago. it was the best decision I ever made. Still getting used to food scene but Definitely worth checking out..
7 upvotes
← Back to Gastonia Community