Hi all, I'm a 40-year-old restaurant manager and The median home value here is around $616,800, which is pretty steep. You can expect to pay around $1,063 for rent here. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Any advice would be great. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The suburbs are where most families end up. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The suburbs are where most families end up. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
2 upvotes
2 Replies
Ellie Cook
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 37, moved here 11 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in East and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Active local events and festivals
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. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The healthcare situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for families. solid vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 Charlotte, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$110K 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.
27 upvotes
Natalie Moore
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 7 years ago from Pittsburgh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in East. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in finance. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 16 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like sushi.
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