I'm originally from Denver and It's a a small town city with about 8,322 people. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The weather takes some getting used to. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
10 upvotes
13 Replies
desert_ian68
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Charlotte about 13 years ago. The main reasons were school and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good airport with direct flights
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are stable, gas is underrated.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Happy to answer more specific questions..
40 upvotes
Dylan
This.
33 upvotes
Avery Garcia
I'm a physical therapist and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. The community is pretty good and there's always something going on.
28 upvotes
Lily Miller
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 3 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is community vibe. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into running, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Highland side vs the Midtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
27 upvotes
Julian Evans
I've lived in Downtown for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Baltimore, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Four distinct seasons
- The school system scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Limited high-paying job options
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for remote workers. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
27 upvotes
Luna Scott
Hot take but it exceeded my expectations. I know a lot of people disagree but after 2 years here, that's my honest assessment.
25 upvotes
Santiago Brooks
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value public transit, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely decent and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Midtown) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Raleigh, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare is completely different here. And Property taxes are high.
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.
24 upvotes
Harper Castillo
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Uptown for 10 years. Moved from Baltimore for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Uptown schools are underrated. 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. Limited shopping options. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 7/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
23 upvotes
Paisley Howard
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value housing market, you'll love it. The job market is genuinely pretty good and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (Highland) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Boston, be prepared for the culture shock. job market is completely different here. And Not very walkable outside downtown.
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.
17 upvotes
loving_isla68
exactly what I was thinking
15 upvotes
Valentina J.
Bought a house here in 2020 and it's exactly what I was looking for. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
14 upvotes
Skylar
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I have mixed feelings honestly. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
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