Best and worst neighborhoods in Lake Norman of Catawba
I grew up here but left for a while. The median home value here is around $522,300, which is pretty steep. Average temperature is around 57--F, so the weather is moderate. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Worth the trade-offs?
9 upvotes
7 Replies
Everett Flores
I've lived in Eastside for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Austin, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Lots of new development happening
- Good internet infrastructure
- The cultural scene scene is improving
The downsides:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for young professionals. Happy to answer more specific questions..
29 upvotes
Nova Cook
As someone who grew up here, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. A lot has changed in the past few years though. outdoor recreation used to be much affordable but now it's decent.
27 upvotes
Aurora R.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 3 years. Moved from Phoenix for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth about the same 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:**
engineering is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is underrated - 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. Sunset 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Limited entertainment options. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
25 upvotes
Aiden Reed
Used to live on the Downtown side, now on the Highland side. Completely different vibe. I love the pace of life here.
24 upvotes
Grace Cooper
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a nurse who relocated here from San Francisco about 11 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are affordable, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Definitely worth checking out..
17 upvotes
John Peterson
Used to live on the Uptown side, now on the Westside side. Completely different vibe. the quality of life is solid.
11 upvotes
dallas_caroline
I've been living here for 14 years and I'd say the quality of life is solid. The healthcare is decent compared to other places I've lived. Overall Happy to answer more specific questions..