Longtime lurker here, I relocated for work and Poverty rate is 9.1%, which is pretty low. Homes are going for about $164,700 on average. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Am I overthinking this? There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The city has invested a lot in new development. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
3 upvotes
13 Replies
Violet Ramirez
I work in real estate here and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The job market for my field is hit or miss. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
39 upvotes
Jose Cox
great question, following
38 upvotes
Angel Garcia
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want weather, then yeah this place is great. But if nightlife matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
38 upvotes
Savannah Scott
I'm a data analyst and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The community is tough and there's always something going on.
37 upvotes
Cooper
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 11 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. hospitality 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:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Downtown schools are better than expected. 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. Road conditions need improvement. Can feel isolated. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
33 upvotes
Xavier
Used to live on the Cedar Grove side, now on the East side. Completely different vibe. it's not perfect but it works for me.
27 upvotes
local_madeline4
I've been living here for 6 years and I'd say there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The cost of living is hit or miss compared to other places I've lived. Overall Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
25 upvotes
Emilia J.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 2 years ago. The main reasons were weather and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are wild, gas is average.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Hope this helps!.
25 upvotes
Thomas R.
facts
25 upvotes
Rylee Robinson
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. it's exactly what I was looking for. Compared to Atlanta it's challenging.
16 upvotes
Ruby Gray
as a local I can confirm
11 upvotes
Brooklyn Hernandez
Public transit is average here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
10 upvotes
Easton Moore
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The job market is genuinely excellent and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (Old Town) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Raleigh, be prepared for the culture shock. school system is completely different here. And Not very walkable outside downtown.
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.
All Countries
