OK so I'm retired and The median home value here is around $306,200, which seems about average. Homes are going for about $306,200 on average. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. What are your go-to spots? The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
26 upvotes
10 Replies
Oliver Ramirez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from San Francisco about 2 years ago. The main reasons were work and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are manageable, gas is challenging.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
37 upvotes
Alexander Thomas
Bought a house here in 2018 and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Property values have gone about the same since then.
35 upvotes
Hudson Reyes
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want traffic, then yeah this place is great. But if traffic matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
24 upvotes
Wyatt Long
I work in finance here and it's not perfect but it works for me. The job market for my field is improving. No regrets on my end..
22 upvotes
Brooks Y.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 38, moved here 3 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in East and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Close to major attractions
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Limited shopping options
3. The cultural scene situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for remote workers. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- North: 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 improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$110K 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.
21 upvotes
Justin G.
I'm a teacher and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. The community is decent and there's always something going on.
17 upvotes
Everett Richardson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 6 years. Moved from Boston for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. North schools are tough. 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. Road conditions need improvement. Bugs and humidity in summer. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
16 upvotes
Autumn Allen
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 26, moved here 9 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Sunset and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Affordable housing options
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Can feel isolated
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The nightlife situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for couples. tough vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 Baltimore, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $90K-$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.
15 upvotes
Emmett R.
I work in manufacturing here and it was the best decision I ever made. The job market for my field is excellent. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
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