Hi all, Average temperature is around 62--F, so the weather is moderate. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Any help is appreciated. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The city has invested a lot in new development. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
11 upvotes
14 Replies
Sadie Sanders
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 52, moved here 11 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in North and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The job market situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for families. surprisingly 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 Raleigh, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$80K 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.
39 upvotes
Caleb Walker
I'm a sales manager and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. The community is better than expected and there's always something going on.
39 upvotes
native_david96
Moved here from Austin about 14 years ago. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Still getting used to community vibe but Would recommend to anyone considering it..
38 upvotes
Madeline Long
seconding this
36 upvotes
Paisley Lewis
I've been living here for 14 years and I'd say I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The cultural scene is tough compared to other places I've lived. Overall It's not for everyone but it works for us..
31 upvotes
Peyton Anderson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from Chicago about 8 years ago. The main reasons were weather and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good healthcare facilities
- Decent public transit for the size
Cons that are real:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are pricey, gas is better than expected.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Hope this helps!.
30 upvotes
jaxlover2025
My experience has been mostly positive. the quality of life is solid. The only thing I'd watch out for is walkability. Other than that, Definitely worth checking out..
29 upvotes
raised_gabriel44
Bought a house here in 2018 and the quality of life is solid. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
23 upvotes
Christian A.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Compared to Charlotte it's improving.
17 upvotes
christian_soul
yeah no that's not right
16 upvotes
Nora Nguyen
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is community vibe. it exceeded my expectations. Worth doing your research before committing.
15 upvotes
Camila Wood
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are tough, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
15 upvotes
Susan J.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 49, moved here 5 years ago from Miami. I've lived in South and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Affordable housing options
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. Can feel isolated
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The dating scene situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for families. decent 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 Miami, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
14 upvotes
Michael Richardson
I've lived in Midtown for about 6 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 Houston, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Lots of new development happening
- The job market scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for couples. Feel free to reach out with questions..
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