Anyone else feel this way? You can expect to pay around $803 for rent here. Poverty rate is 19.6%, which is higher than I expected. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The city has invested a lot in new development. Any help is appreciated.
5 upvotes
9 Replies
raised_mateo59
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a nurse who relocated here from Raleigh about 13 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good schools in most areas
- Strong job market in several industries
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Winters are long and cold
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are pricey, gas is challenging.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Feel free to reach out with questions..
34 upvotes
Autumn L.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 11 years. Moved from Raleigh for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. legal 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:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. North 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. Winters are long and cold. Nightlife is limited. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
33 upvotes
Luca L.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 10 years ago from Chicago 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 Fairview. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in engineering. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 15 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like Mexican.
No regrets on my end..
33 upvotes
Emmett Edwards
Public transit is surprisingly good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I have mixed feelings honestly.
19 upvotes
Luca
Totally agree!
16 upvotes
Hailey Carter
Hot take but there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. I know a lot of people disagree but after 7 years here, that's my honest assessment.
14 upvotes
Matthew Garcia
been saying this for years
13 upvotes
Johnny R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 35, moved here 4 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The public transit situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for couples. decent vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 Nashville, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
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