I'm single, late 40s, and Rent is about $1,841/month for a decent place. The unemployment rate is 2.5%, which is pretty low. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Let me know your thoughts. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The suburbs are where most families end up. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
14 upvotes
13 Replies
Thomas T.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's exactly what I was looking for. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
35 upvotes
Noah Green
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 4 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Midtown side vs the Cedar Grove side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
30 upvotes
Charlotte W.
This.
28 upvotes
Ethan Wood
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value dating scene, you'll love it. The dating scene is genuinely hit or miss and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (Oak Park) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Miami, be prepared for the culture shock. safety is completely different here. And Limited high-paying job options.
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.
27 upvotes
Austin Mendoza
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Atlanta about 9 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good healthcare facilities
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Property taxes are high
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are competitive, gas is pretty good.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
26 upvotes
Ezra Hill
Used to live on the Maple Ridge side, now on the Sunset side. Completely different vibe. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
24 upvotes
Henry Bailey
hmm interesting perspective
23 upvotes
Andrew Brown
nah I disagree
21 upvotes
Sebastian Rivera
been saying this for years
18 upvotes
Arianna Bennett
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Minneapolis about 6 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Lots of new development happening
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are manageable, gas is tough.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. No regrets on my end..
12 upvotes
Harper Carter
The food scene here is challenging. Tons of great craft beer places. the quality of life is solid.
9 upvotes
Ariana Murphy
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value dating scene, you'll love it. The weather is genuinely excellent and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Cedar Grove) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Charlotte, be prepared for the culture shock. job market is completely different here. And Limited high-paying job options.
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.
9 upvotes
Everett Richardson
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (Downtown) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Atlanta, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
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.