Hey everyone, Poverty rate is 18.7%, which is higher than I expected. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Thoughts? Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
8 upvotes
8 Replies
raleighheart2026
I've lived in Sunset for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by safety. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Strong job market in several industries
- The cost of living scene is average
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Nightlife is limited
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for couples. Definitely worth checking out..
34 upvotes
adrian_guy
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I love the pace of life here. Good luck with whatever you decide..
29 upvotes
Zoey Cook
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 1 years ago from Salt Lake City and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in The Heights. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in manufacturing. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 11 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like seafood.
No regrets on my end..
28 upvotes
Evan Hill
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is outdoor recreation. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Worth doing your research before committing.
25 upvotes
Avery R.
great question, following
24 upvotes
Bennett Wilson
As someone who grew up here, I'm still on the fence after all this time. A lot has changed in the past few years though. dating scene used to be much established but now it's improving.
22 upvotes
Willow King
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 28, moved here 15 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Old Town and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited shopping options
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The dating scene situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for young professionals. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: 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 challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $90K-$130K 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.
5 upvotes
la_lucy
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are excellent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
All Countries
