First post here. We're a young couple and Median household income is $172,654, which feels pretty solid for the area. Average temperature is around 67--F, so the weather is moderate. The food scene here is surprisingly good. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Worth the trade-offs? Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
12 upvotes
15 Replies
Stella
Moved here from Salt Lake City about 1 years ago. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Still getting used to cultural scene but Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
39 upvotes
Weston Ramirez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 6 years. Moved from Austin for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is tough - we have lakes 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 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. Winters are long and cold. Homeless population growing downtown. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 5/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
36 upvotes
Cooper Cook
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 12 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good schools in most areas
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are competitive, gas is challenging.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. No regrets on my end..
34 upvotes
Ryan
I work in real estate here and it's not perfect but it works for me. The job market for my field is solid. Feel free to reach out with questions..
34 upvotes
Elena Sanchez
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are improving, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
33 upvotes
Olivia B.
thanks for sharing
28 upvotes
Declan
I'm a teacher and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The community is improving and there's always something going on.
26 upvotes
David Nguyen
The food scene here is decent. Tons of great Asian places. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
26 upvotes
Jackson Adams
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 6 years. Moved from Austin for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. education 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 genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. South schools are hit or miss. 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. Rising rent and home prices. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 6/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
24 upvotes
Ryan Young
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Austin about 2 years ago. The main reasons were weather and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Close to major attractions
- Affordable housing options
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Can feel isolated
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are reasonable, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
20 upvotes
Avery Evans
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it exceeded my expectations. Internet is surprisingly good in most areas.
18 upvotes
Violet R.
not my experience at all
14 upvotes
Adrian Morales
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value community vibe, you'll love it. The traffic is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (Downtown) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Raleigh, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Not a lot of cultural diversity.
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.
10 upvotes
Jesse A.
The food scene here is pretty good. Tons of great Thai places. I genuinely enjoy living here.
10 upvotes
Mason
We moved here with our family and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Schools in Eastside area are surprisingly good. Kids love it here.
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