Anyone else feel this way? I'm single, late 30s, and Median household income is $59,808, which feels about average for the area. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Has anyone dealt with this?
5 upvotes
13 Replies
Liam S.
interesting, hadn't considered that
36 upvotes
Evan
haha yep pretty much
34 upvotes
Anna Gutierrez
Public transit is challenging here. You'll probably need a car for most things. the quality of life is solid.
31 upvotes
Amelia Mitchell
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. Hope this helps!.
30 upvotes
Cooper Williams
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 40, moved here 15 years ago from LA. I've lived in Westside and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Property taxes are high
3. The healthcare situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for remote workers. average vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 LA, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $70K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
29 upvotes
Genesis
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from Boston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Midtown. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in consulting. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 12 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
28 upvotes
Audrey Foster
I've lived in Midtown for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Atlanta, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The traffic scene is tough
The downsides:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for families. Happy to answer more specific questions..
27 upvotes
Aubrey Peterson
I've been living here for 15 years and I'd say the quality of life is solid. The job market is solid compared to other places I've lived. Overall Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
24 upvotes
Madelyn W.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value public transit, you'll love it. The school system is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Fairview) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Raleigh, be prepared for the culture shock. community vibe is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
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.
12 upvotes
Owen Campbell
yep
8 upvotes
Dominic K.
Public transit is average here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it exceeded my expectations.
4 upvotes
Logan Hernandez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in The Heights for 11 years. Moved from New York for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is average - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. The Heights schools are surprisingly good. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Rising rent and home prices. Dating scene is rough. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 5/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
1 upvotes
Olivia H.
We moved here with our family and it's exactly what I was looking for. Schools in Old Town area are challenging. Kids love it here.
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