First post here. The unemployment rate is 2.6%, which is pretty low. Median household income is $155,847, which feels pretty solid for the area. Average temperature is around 48--F, so expect cold winters. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The city has invested a lot in new development. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
18 upvotes
21 Replies
Elizabeth Jackson
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's been a really good experience overall. Internet is decent in most areas.
39 upvotes
Theodore White
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value housing market, you'll love it. The safety is genuinely pretty good and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Old Town) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Chicago, be prepared for the culture shock. traffic is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
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.
35 upvotes
Santiago Lopez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Boston about 12 years ago. The main reasons were weather and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Strong job market in several industries
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are wild, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Hope this helps!.
32 upvotes
chicagokid2021
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 15 years. Moved from Miami for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
finance 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:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have lakes 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 challenging. 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. Dating scene is rough. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 6/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
29 upvotes
Brittany N.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 8 years ago from Austin and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in The Heights. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in government. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 6 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like Vietnamese.
No regrets on my end..
28 upvotes
Hazel Gutierrez
Moved here from Raleigh about 3 years ago. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Still getting used to food scene but Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
25 upvotes
houston_zoe
Hot take but it's exactly what I was looking for. I know a lot of people disagree but after 3 years here, that's my honest assessment.
25 upvotes
Brielle Ramos
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is housing market. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Worth doing your research before committing.
23 upvotes
Emmett Bennett
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 3 years ago from Miami and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Fairview. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in marketing. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 9 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like Thai.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
22 upvotes
stl_nicholas
Weather-wise, the summers are improving and winters are wild. You get used to it after the first year.
22 upvotes
Eva Gutierrez
Came here for a fresh start and stayed because it's been a really good experience overall. The housing market is honestly hit or miss and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
20 upvotes
Jayden G.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 5 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Meadowbrook side vs the South side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
17 upvotes
Ruby Jackson
Weather-wise, the summers are challenging and winters are developing. You get used to it after the first year.
15 upvotes
Daniel Diaz
Can confirm, been here 6 years.
13 upvotes
Samuel Gonzalez
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. it's been a really good experience overall. Compared to Raleigh it's surprisingly good.
11 upvotes
Liam J.
Public transit is underrated here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I love the pace of life here.
10 upvotes
Austin B.
This.
9 upvotes
Austin R.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want traffic, then yeah this place is great. But if traffic matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
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