Random thought, I'm a teacher here and Average temperature is around 57--F, so the weather is moderate. Homes are going for about $275,900 on average. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Worth the trade-offs?
4 upvotes
12 Replies
true_charlotte50
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 15 years ago from Raleigh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Cedar Grove. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in consulting. If you're in education you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 11 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
35 upvotes
Nora P.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Chicago about 11 years ago. The main reasons were school and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Active local events and festivals
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are developing, gas is improving.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. No regrets on my end..
31 upvotes
Raymond A.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is outdoor recreation. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Worth doing your research before committing.
28 upvotes
Bruce J.
I'm a real estate agent and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The community is hit or miss and there's always something going on.
26 upvotes
Levi Nelson
lol so true
25 upvotes
Paisley Lewis
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 9 years ago from Houston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Eastside. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in tech. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 17 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like Italian.
Definitely worth checking out..
24 upvotes
Wyatt Sanders
Public transit is pretty good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
22 upvotes
Bella Brown
Saving this thread
21 upvotes
Isabella Lopez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 26, moved here 9 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The community vibe situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for couples. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 Salt Lake City, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
17 upvotes
Emmett Bailey
yep
17 upvotes
Alexa Baker
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 31, moved here 12 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Pine Hills and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The outdoor recreation situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for families. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 Baltimore, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $80K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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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