Hello, I grew up here but left for a while. You can expect to pay around $999 for rent here. Poverty rate is 10.5%, which is around average. Median household income is $54,901, which feels on the lower side for the area. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The weather takes some getting used to. What are your go-to spots? It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The weather takes some getting used to. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
25 upvotes
3 Replies
urban_isaiah61
Public transit is pretty good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I genuinely enjoy living here.
35 upvotes
Mason Lopez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 47, moved here 11 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in Midtown and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The dating scene situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for couples. tough vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 Charlotte, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$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.