Alright, I'm a nurse at the local hospital and Average temperature is around 74--F, so it's warm year-round. The city has invested a lot in new development. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
23 upvotes
8 Replies
Benjamin L.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 2 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Downtown side vs the Eastside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
40 upvotes
Jose Perez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a nurse who relocated here from Raleigh about 4 years ago. The main reasons were school and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Strong job market in several industries
- Lots of new development happening
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are affordable, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
30 upvotes
Anna Morris
couldn't agree more
27 upvotes
Santiago Campbell
big facts right here
26 upvotes
Mateo Morales
I'm a real estate agent and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. The community is challenging and there's always something going on.
22 upvotes
Roman H.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 38, moved here 5 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Old Town and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Summers can be brutally hot
3. The safety situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for young professionals. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 Miami, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
16 upvotes
local_claire87
preach
14 upvotes
Olivia Williams
My experience has been mostly positive. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The only thing I'd watch out for is cost of living. Other than that, It's not for everyone but it works for us..
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