First post here. Poverty rate is 8.5%, which is pretty low. Rent is about $2,199/month for a decent place. Homes are going for about $392,500 on average. The unemployment rate is 5.4%, which is about average. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The weather takes some getting used to. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The suburbs are where most families end up. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
2 upvotes
5 Replies
Elizabeth Hill
This.
36 upvotes
Cora C.
100%
22 upvotes
Michael A.
bump
10 upvotes
Aiden
interesting, hadn't considered that
7 upvotes
Isabella Alvarez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 54, moved here 3 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Nice parks and green spaces
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The walkability situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for singles. decent 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 Raleigh, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $60K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.