First post here. I'm a 54-year-old sales rep and The median home value here is around $341,000, which seems about average. Homes are going for about $341,000 on average. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The weather takes some getting used to. What neighborhoods would you suggest?
10 upvotes
15 Replies
Nolan Perez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from New York about 12 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Lots of new development happening
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are established, gas is decent.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Happy to answer more specific questions..
37 upvotes
Bella E.
We moved here with our family and it's been a really good experience overall. Schools in Fairview area are average. Kids love it here.
36 upvotes
Wyatt Gonzalez
noted, appreciate it
35 upvotes
Brenda R.
haha yep pretty much
34 upvotes
Arianna Cook
I've lived in West for about 7 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from Miami, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The cultural scene scene is decent
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Limited high-paying job options
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for young professionals. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
33 upvotes
Gabriel B.
Hot take but it was the best decision I ever made. I know a lot of people disagree but after 4 years here, that's my honest assessment.
26 upvotes
Dominic Scott
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 32, moved here 4 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Pine Hills and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Winters are long and cold
3. The pet-friendliness situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for couples. decent 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 hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $40K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
23 upvotes
Daniel M.
couldn't agree more
17 upvotes
Kayden Y.
I'm a accountant and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. The community is excellent and there's always something going on.
16 upvotes
Natalie W.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value housing market, you'll love it. The dating scene is genuinely excellent and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (South) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from New York, be prepared for the culture shock. school system is completely different here. And Limited shopping options.
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.
15 upvotes
Lydia Allen
As someone who grew up here, I love the pace of life here. A lot has changed in the past few years though. dating scene used to be much affordable but now it's solid.
12 upvotes
minneapolis_samuel
Can confirm, been here 5 years.
9 upvotes
Eli Kelly
I'm a software engineer and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. The community is hit or miss and there's always something going on.
7 upvotes
Patricia N.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 58, moved here 13 years ago from New York. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Diverse dining options
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. Can feel isolated
3. The pet-friendliness situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for retirees. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 New York, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$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.
6 upvotes
Kai Peterson
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. Would recommend to anyone considering it..