I'm originally from Atlanta and It's a a small town city with about 24,513 people. Homes are going for about $265,000 on average. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Am I overthinking this? Looking forward to hearing from you all. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
2 upvotes
13 Replies
Jacqueline C.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Nashville about 10 years ago. The main reasons were work and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Decent public transit for the size
- Lots of new development happening
Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are stable, gas is underrated.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Definitely worth checking out..
40 upvotes
Natalie Morgan
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 45, moved here 13 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in Midtown and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Dating scene is rough
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The public transit situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for remote workers. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 Atlanta, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $60K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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
houstonlocal2020
it depends on the neighborhood
37 upvotes
Joseph Rodriguez
Saving this thread
29 upvotes
dc_ella
I've been living here for 11 years and I'd say it's improved dramatically in recent years. The public transit is challenging compared to other places I've lived. Overall Would recommend to anyone considering it..
25 upvotes
Jace Chavez
As someone who grew up here, it was the best decision I ever made. A lot has changed in the past few years though. public transit used to be much reasonable but now it's excellent.
24 upvotes
aurora_lover
Hot take but I'm still on the fence after all this time. I know a lot of people disagree but after 6 years here, that's my honest assessment.
22 upvotes
Leo P.
same here
20 upvotes
Ezekiel
great question, following
19 upvotes
Aurora
good to know, thanks
17 upvotes
Theodore Jackson
100%
5 upvotes
Gabriella R.
I've lived in Eastside for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's not perfect but it works for me. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Good internet infrastructure
- The nightlife scene is average
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for young professionals. Good luck with whatever you decide..
2 upvotes
Aubrey Morgan
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The community vibe is genuinely average and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (Midtown) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Raleigh, be prepared for the culture shock. safety is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
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.
All Countries
