OK so I'm a nurse at the local hospital and Median household income is $87,277, which feels pretty solid for the area. The median home value here is around $427,900, which is pretty steep. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Worth the trade-offs? There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The weather takes some getting used to.
15 upvotes
9 Replies
Adeline R.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from Baltimore about 12 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Four distinct seasons
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are wild, gas is underrated.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
24 upvotes
Claire
Hot take but it exceeded my expectations. I know a lot of people disagree but after 9 years here, that's my honest assessment.
23 upvotes
Harper Stewart
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Portland about 5 years ago. The main reasons were family and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Strong job market in several industries
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are reasonable, gas is improving.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Happy to answer more specific questions..
18 upvotes
Grace Reed
As someone who grew up here, I love the pace of life here. A lot has changed in the past few years though. nightlife used to be much established but now it's solid.
18 upvotes
Isaac M.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 11 years. Moved from Charlotte for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is improving - 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. South schools are solid. 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. Limited public transit options. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And weather 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.
4 upvotes
Elena Perez
thanks for sharing
4 upvotes
Parker Nelson
wish I knew this sooner
2 upvotes
Adrian Allen
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Miami about 12 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are reasonable, gas is excellent.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. No regrets on my end..
1 upvotes
nycmama2024
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 14 years ago from New York. I've lived in Riverside and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Limited shopping options
3. The healthcare situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for retirees. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: 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 New York, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $70K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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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