Hey folks, Born and raised here. The unemployment rate is 3.4%, which is pretty low. Poverty rate is 17.6%, which is higher than I expected. Crime rate is something to consider -Greenwood sits at 1,494.0 per 100K. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Thanks for reading. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The weather takes some getting used to. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
14 upvotes
13 Replies
Gabriella
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 51, moved here 15 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in The Heights and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Nightlife is limited
3. The job market situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for retirees. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$120K 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.
38 upvotes
mason_native
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is school system. it's been a really good experience overall. Worth doing your research before committing.
31 upvotes
Caroline Myers
not my experience at all
28 upvotes
Aria Diaz
couldn't agree more
23 upvotes
Aurora T.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Old Town for 11 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Old Town schools are decent. 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. Nightlife is limited. Urban sprawl is real. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
18 upvotes
chill_kaylee59
nah I disagree
15 upvotes
Ava Allen
underrated comment
13 upvotes
Melanie Wood
The food scene here is surprisingly good. Tons of great Thai places. I have mixed feelings honestly.
13 upvotes
Ian Gonzalez
Public transit is average here. You'll probably need a car for most things. the quality of life is solid.
10 upvotes
Joshua M.
The food scene here is surprisingly good. Tons of great sushi places. it's exactly what I was looking for.
6 upvotes
Rylee A.
hard disagree but ok
6 upvotes
Brenda D.
Moved here from Phoenix about 10 years ago. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Still getting used to safety but Happy to answer more specific questions..
0 upvotes
Alexa Cruz
We moved here with our family and I love the pace of life here. Schools in North area are underrated. Kids love it here.
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