I'm a nurse at the local hospital and Homes are going for about $214,100 on average. Household incomes average around $49,411 in Haughton. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Am I overthinking this? There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
2 upvotes
10 Replies
Michael Allen
following this thread
35 upvotes
Alice C.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cost of living, you'll love it. The cost of living is genuinely better than expected and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (Fairview) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Miami, be prepared for the culture shock. traffic is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
29 upvotes
Ezekiel G.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 1 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Westside side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
29 upvotes
mesadude2020
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Fairview for 6 years. Moved from Charlotte for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Fairview schools are excellent. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Nightlife is limited. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 7/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
21 upvotes
Declan Cook
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 11 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Lakewood side vs the Uptown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
19 upvotes
Roman Anderson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 57, moved here 6 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Uptown and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Close to major attractions
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The job market situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for young professionals. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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
Colton Davis
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 15 years ago from Salt Lake City and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Midtown. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in marketing. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 8 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like Southern.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
15 upvotes
Parker Davis
Used to live on the West side, now on the Eastside side. Completely different vibe. it's been a really good experience overall.
8 upvotes
Brooklyn C.
My experience has been mostly positive. the quality of life is solid. The only thing I'd watch out for is community vibe. Other than that, Hope this helps!.
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