Hi all, Median household income is $70,691, which feels about average for the area. The suburbs are where most families end up. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
6 upvotes
7 Replies
Katherine L.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from Salt Lake City about 11 years ago. The main reasons were weather and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
Cons that are real:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are affordable, gas is better than expected.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Feel free to reach out with questions..
39 upvotes
Brenda P.
noted, appreciate it
24 upvotes
Kai Rogers
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value traffic, you'll love it. The school system is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Sunset) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Nashville, be prepared for the culture shock. dating scene is completely different here. And Property taxes are high.
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.
22 upvotes
Axel M.
Public transit is surprisingly good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it was the best decision I ever made.
14 upvotes
Emilia
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Definitely worth checking out..
12 upvotes
Kai Wilson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 50, moved here 12 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in East and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good internet infrastructure
2. Close to major attractions
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Limited shopping options
3. The community vibe situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for remote workers. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 Raleigh, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $60K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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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