The median home value here is around $473,000, which is pretty steep. Median household income is $81,493, which feels pretty solid for the area. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
7 upvotes
13 Replies
Dominic E.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 3 years. Moved from Boston for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is average - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. South schools are surprisingly good. 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. Limited high-paying job options. Can feel isolated. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 9/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
40 upvotes
Savannah Hill
Totally agree!
36 upvotes
Hunter Anderson
As someone who grew up here, it's not perfect but it works for me. A lot has changed in the past few years though. traffic used to be much manageable but now it's tough.
28 upvotes
Weston M.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 1 years ago from San Diego and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in East. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in retail. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 13 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like Italian.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
27 upvotes
Zoe R.
I've been living here for 6 years and I'd say the quality of life is solid. The school system is excellent compared to other places I've lived. Overall Would recommend to anyone considering it..
23 upvotes
Charlotte Chavez
big facts right here
16 upvotes
Wyatt Parker
I've lived in Uptown for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Atlanta, I was surprised by dating scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Affordable housing options
- The nightlife scene is solid
The downsides:
- Property taxes are high
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for remote workers. Feel free to reach out with questions..
15 upvotes
Genesis Patel
Came here for cost of living and stayed because it exceeded my expectations. The nightlife is honestly surprisingly good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
7 upvotes
Brooklyn Hernandez
couldn't agree more
5 upvotes
Kaylee Cook
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value food scene, you'll love it. The nightlife is genuinely improving and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (Highland) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Raleigh, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Not a lot of cultural diversity.
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.
2 upvotes
Piper
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is community vibe. it's been a really good experience overall. Worth doing your research before committing.