Curious what people think. I grew up here but left for a while. Homes are going for about $114,800 on average. The unemployment rate is 1.3%, which is pretty low. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The weather takes some getting used to. Should I be concerned? It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The city has invested a lot in new development.
10 upvotes
15 Replies
matthew_local
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 41, moved here 15 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The traffic situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for remote workers. solid vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: 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 Raleigh, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$100K 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.
39 upvotes
Alexa P.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from Seattle about 4 years ago. The main reasons were family and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Lots of new development happening
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Limited shopping options
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are stable, gas is underrated.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Definitely worth checking out..
38 upvotes
Christian Rivera
as a local I can confirm
35 upvotes
Quinn Carter
I've been living here for 8 years and I'd say it's not perfect but it works for me. The pet-friendliness is hit or miss compared to other places I've lived. Overall No regrets on my end..
31 upvotes
Audrey Scott
Came here for weather and stayed because I have mixed feelings honestly. The public transit is honestly hit or miss and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
30 upvotes
Michael K.
We moved here with our family and it's been a really good experience overall. Schools in Riverside area are excellent. Kids love it here.
30 upvotes
Adrian Turner
I've lived in Uptown for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from Minneapolis, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The housing market scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for families. Feel free to reach out with questions..
24 upvotes
Colton W.
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 pricey but now it's underrated.
23 upvotes
Ezra Nguyen
+1
22 upvotes
Brooklyn Miller
exactly what I was thinking
16 upvotes
Anna F.
I work in legal here and it was the best decision I ever made. The job market for my field is surprisingly good. Feel free to reach out with questions..
16 upvotes
Dylan Gomez
100%
11 upvotes
Isla Ruiz
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's not perfect but it works for me. No regrets on my end..
11 upvotes
Violet R.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is safety. it was the best decision I ever made. Worth doing your research before committing.
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