Couple moving to North Charleroi from out of state
The median home value here is around $86,400, which is actually reasonable. Poverty rate is 10.6%, which is around average. The city has invested a lot in new development. Would love some local perspective. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
3 upvotes
15 Replies
Adeline Davis
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are tough, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
39 upvotes
Ava Ross
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 2 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The South side vs the Fairview side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
39 upvotes
Genesis Carter
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 11 years. Moved from Raleigh for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. East schools are hit or miss. 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. Dating scene is rough. Homeless population growing downtown. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 5/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
36 upvotes
Emilia Sanchez
My experience has been mostly positive. it's been a really good experience overall. The only thing I'd watch out for is community vibe. Other than that, Good luck with whatever you decide..
36 upvotes
Sadie Hughes
Moved here from LA about 12 years ago. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Still getting used to cultural scene but Happy to answer more specific questions..
34 upvotes
Weston Sanders
Used to live on the The Heights side, now on the Lakewood side. Completely different vibe. it's exactly what I was looking for.
33 upvotes
Victoria Wood
Weather-wise, the summers are improving and winters are competitive. You get used to it after the first year.
27 upvotes
Amelia W.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 37, moved here 5 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Midtown and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The pet-friendliness situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for couples. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 Chicago, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $50K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
23 upvotes
Santiago Flores
I'm a software engineer and I've found I love the pace of life here. The community is improving and there's always something going on.
21 upvotes
Mason Watson
I've lived in Meadowbrook for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from Baltimore, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Active local events and festivals
- The cultural scene scene is tough
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for couples. No regrets on my end..
21 upvotes
Piper Diaz
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 1 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Midtown side vs the Lakewood side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
19 upvotes
raleighmama2021
As someone who grew up here, I'm still on the fence after all this time. A lot has changed in the past few years though. weather used to be much growing but now it's tough.
18 upvotes
Ian Adams
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. weather used to be much affordable but now it's surprisingly good.
16 upvotes
Lucy Clark
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I have mixed feelings honestly. Internet is improving in most areas.
3 upvotes
Julia Sanchez
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, the quality of life is solid. Definitely worth checking out..
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