Hi all, I'm a teacher here and The median home value here is around $401,400, which is pretty steep. Rent is about $1,978/month for a decent place. Poverty rate is 7.0%, which is pretty low. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. What do you all think? There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The city has invested a lot in new development. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The suburbs are where most families end up.
15 upvotes
2 Replies
Liam R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 49, moved here 14 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in West and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Four distinct seasons
2. Close to major attractions
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The pet-friendliness situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for young professionals. tough vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: 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 manageable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $90K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
19 upvotes
Daniel James
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 7 years ago from Denver and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in The Heights. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 10 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like Vietnamese.
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