Hi all, Just moved here 18 months ago and It's a a small town city with about 13,833 people. The weather takes some getting used to. The suburbs are where most families end up. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
15 upvotes
7 Replies
Delilah G.
seconding this
39 upvotes
John Walker
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are improving, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
31 upvotes
Kai Clark
Weather-wise, the summers are better than expected and winters are competitive. You get used to it after the first year.
24 upvotes
raleighliving2021
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 58, moved here 5 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Midtown and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Affordable housing options
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The community vibe situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for young professionals. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $60K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
19 upvotes
hazel_native
My experience has been mostly positive. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The only thing I'd watch out for is outdoor recreation. Other than that, No regrets on my end..
15 upvotes
Luke S.
Moved here from New York about 12 years ago. it's been a really good experience overall. Still getting used to job market but Hope this helps!.
12 upvotes
everett_native
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Nashville about 12 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Close to major attractions
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Limited shopping options
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are affordable, gas is challenging.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
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