We have two kids and Rent is about $2,372/month for a decent place. Average temperature is around 55--F, so expect cold winters. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. What would you do?
4 upvotes
5 Replies
Delilah Robinson
good to know, thanks
39 upvotes
Lydia S.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 29, moved here 12 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Old Town and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Affordable housing options
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The outdoor recreation situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for couples. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 Boston, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $80K-$140K 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.
38 upvotes
Aiden Evans
I'm a data analyst and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. The community is decent and there's always something going on.
17 upvotes
Angel Richardson
this is the way
7 upvotes
Savannah K.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 38, moved here 13 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Eastside and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The public transit situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for retirees. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $60K-$90K 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.
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