Random thought, My family moved here when I was a kid. With a population of 31,563, New Bern is a smaller city. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
24 upvotes
5 Replies
Jerry G.
not my experience at all
28 upvotes
Piper Brown
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 30, moved here 12 years ago from Boston. I've lived in North and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The outdoor recreation situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for families. tough 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 Boston, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $100K-$150K 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.
18 upvotes
Elijah Ward
couldn't agree more
15 upvotes
Gerald Y.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are average, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
11 upvotes
Liam Martinez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value nightlife, you'll love it. The dating scene is genuinely better than expected and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (North) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Salt Lake City, be prepared for the culture shock. nightlife is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
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.
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