Curious what people think. We're a young couple and Average temperature is around 43--F, so bundle up in winter. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
4 upvotes
14 Replies
Vivian
Public transit is underrated here. You'll probably need a car for most things. the quality of life is solid.
36 upvotes
Thomas Mendoza
literally same
36 upvotes
Ariana
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a nurse who relocated here from Houston about 13 years ago. The main reasons were family and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are reasonable, gas is tough.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. No regrets on my end..
33 upvotes
raleighliving2026
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 55, moved here 6 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Lakewood and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The dating scene situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for singles. solid vibes, walkable.
- North: 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 Austin, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
33 upvotes
Betty G.
Moved here from LA about 15 years ago. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Still getting used to walkability but Would recommend to anyone considering it..
31 upvotes
Charlotte Martinez
I work in education here and I have mixed feelings honestly. The job market for my field is excellent. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
23 upvotes
Hazel Gonzalez
Bought a house here in 2022 and it exceeded my expectations. Property values have gone about the same since then.
23 upvotes
fresno_sebastian
Weather-wise, the summers are surprisingly good and winters are competitive. You get used to it after the first year.
20 upvotes
Dylan R.
Used to live on the Greenfield side, now on the Westside side. Completely different vibe. I have mixed feelings honestly.
17 upvotes
connor_walker
great question, following
12 upvotes
Jackson Lopez
Bought a house here in 2021 and it's been a really good experience overall. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
12 upvotes
Sophie
+1
11 upvotes
Adam Diaz
noted, appreciate it
8 upvotes
Piper T.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are decent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
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