Curious what people think. Median household income is $43,114, which feels on the lower side for the area. Average temperature is around 63--F, so the weather is moderate. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. What neighborhoods would you suggest?
12 upvotes
9 Replies
Owen Gutierrez
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want community vibe, then yeah this place is great. But if community vibe matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
40 upvotes
Declan
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a nurse who relocated here from Raleigh about 13 years ago. The main reasons were school and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Strong job market in several industries
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are pricey, gas is solid.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Happy to answer more specific questions..
30 upvotes
Samuel Cook
following this thread
26 upvotes
Mia Sanchez
been saying this for years
21 upvotes
Julian Martin
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 26, moved here 2 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in West and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Friendly community, easy to meet people
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Limited shopping options
3. The cost of living situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for retirees. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: 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 Phoenix, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
21 upvotes
Natalie Gray
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's been a really good experience overall. Internet is excellent in most areas.
12 upvotes
Zoey Jones
Came here for cost of living and stayed because it's improved dramatically in recent years. The traffic is honestly average and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
7 upvotes
Mason Mendoza
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are better than expected, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
4 upvotes
Amelia Jimenez
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. it's exactly what I was looking for. Compared to Tampa it's improving.
All Countries
