My family moved here when I was a kid. The unemployment rate is 6.6%, which is concerning. Median household income is $42,848, which feels on the lower side for the area. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. What neighborhoods would you suggest? The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
14 upvotes
10 Replies
Mateo
as a local I can confirm
28 upvotes
Serenity Moore
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in The Heights for 14 years. Moved from Raleigh for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. retail 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 improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is tough - 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. The Heights schools are improving. 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. Urban sprawl is real. Chain restaurants dominate. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
26 upvotes
Arianna Davis
following this thread
26 upvotes
Sebastian P.
I work in construction here and I love the pace of life here. The job market for my field is average. Definitely worth checking out..
23 upvotes
real_madeline21
I've been living here for 6 years and I'd say the quality of life is solid. The cultural scene is tough compared to other places I've lived. Overall Would recommend to anyone considering it..
18 upvotes
Peyton H.
Moved here last year, no regrets.
16 upvotes
Kayden Cox
The food scene here is excellent. Tons of great Italian places. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
10 upvotes
Elena Parker
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 35, moved here 5 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Old Town and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Close to major attractions
2. Affordable housing options
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The traffic situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for retirees. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 Tampa, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $100K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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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