Anyone else feel this way? You can expect to pay around $2,230 for rent here. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Am I overthinking this? Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
7 upvotes
7 Replies
Leah G.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value dating scene, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely pretty good and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (Cedar Grove) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from New York, be prepared for the culture shock. housing market is completely different here. And Road conditions need improvement.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
40 upvotes
Jackson G.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value public transit, you'll love it. The cost of living is genuinely hit or miss and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (The Heights) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Pittsburgh, be prepared for the culture shock. weather is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
33 upvotes
Benjamin Rogers
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 25, moved here 11 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Fairview and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Can feel isolated
3. The outdoor recreation situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for remote workers. tough vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 developing. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $90K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
27 upvotes
Waylon Torres
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want cost of living, then yeah this place is great. But if nightlife matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
24 upvotes
Henry Phillips
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Good luck with whatever you decide..
23 upvotes
Jose Ortiz
literally same
17 upvotes
Adeline Hughes
I'm a sales manager and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. The community is surprisingly good and there's always something going on.
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