Random thought, My partner and I are Rent is about $2,236/month for a decent place. The suburbs are where most families end up. Worth the trade-offs? I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
21 upvotes
6 Replies
Maya
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Charlotte about 4 years ago. The main reasons were work and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Lots of new development happening
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are stable, gas is excellent.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Happy to answer more specific questions..
34 upvotes
oakland_silas
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's been a really good experience overall. Definitely worth checking out..
25 upvotes
Maverick Turner
Moved here last year, no regrets.
21 upvotes
Isabella Brooks
this is the way
20 upvotes
Ella Cox
I'm a marketing manager and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. The community is excellent and there's always something going on.
18 upvotes
Valentina Anderson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 32, moved here 2 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Old Town and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Friendly community, easy to meet people
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The walkability situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for retirees. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 Boston, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $60K-$110K 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.