First post here. I've been here for 20 years and The unemployment rate is 3.8%, which is pretty low. With a population of 19,532, Knightdale is a small town. The median home value here is around $331,900, which seems about average. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Any help is appreciated. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
7 upvotes
12 Replies
Zachary R.
Moved here from Chicago about 15 years ago. it exceeded my expectations. Still getting used to traffic but Would recommend to anyone considering it..
36 upvotes
Cora Moore
As someone who grew up here, it's exactly what I was looking for. A lot has changed in the past few years though. public transit used to be much manageable but now it's decent.
30 upvotes
Serenity Rodriguez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a teacher who relocated here from Miami about 6 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Close to major attractions
- Affordable housing options
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are affordable, gas is improving.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Happy to answer more specific questions..
28 upvotes
austinrunner2020
nah I disagree
27 upvotes
Zoey
Came here for a fresh start and stayed because I genuinely enjoy living here. The traffic is honestly average and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
22 upvotes
Alexander A.
We moved here with our family and it's exactly what I was looking for. Schools in The Heights area are tough. Kids love it here.
20 upvotes
Zoe Martin
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 4 years ago from Chicago and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Cedar Grove. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in real estate. If you're in education you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 17 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: better than expected. Tons of options if you like Italian.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
20 upvotes
sarah_life
spot on
11 upvotes
James Chavez
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I have mixed feelings honestly. Internet is excellent in most areas.
8 upvotes
Hailey Carter
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 49, moved here 12 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Greenfield and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Dating scene is rough
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The job market situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for retirees. tough vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 San Francisco, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
4 upvotes
Emily Ortiz
Public transit is challenging here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
1 upvotes
leah_life
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 12 years. Moved from Austin for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2015 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. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. education 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:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Riverside 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Dating scene is rough. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 7/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
All Countries
