Random thought, I'm single, late 50s, and With a population of 7,790, Old Jefferson is a small town. The weather takes some getting used to. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. What neighborhoods would you suggest? Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
6 upvotes
7 Replies
charlotte_isla
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want cultural scene, then yeah this place is great. But if housing market matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
38 upvotes
Donna G.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 54, moved here 2 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Old Town and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The traffic situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for singles. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $100K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
32 upvotes
everett_heart
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Pine Hills for 7 years. Moved from LA for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is underrated - 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. Pine Hills 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Not very walkable outside downtown. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
29 upvotes
Leonardo Gutierrez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Raleigh about 8 years ago. The main reasons were school and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good healthcare facilities
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are developing, gas is excellent.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Hope this helps!.
22 upvotes
real_bennett82
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 9 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is nightlife. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Uptown side vs the North side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
18 upvotes
Isaiah Hill
We moved here with our family and I love the pace of life here. Schools in Highland area are better than expected. Kids love it here.
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