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Mia C. living

Life in Orchards as a young professional

Anyone else feel this way? Poverty rate is 8.9%, which is pretty low. The median home value here is around $437,100, which is pretty steep. Household incomes average around $96,893 in Orchards. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The city has invested a lot in new development. Appreciate any input. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
30 upvotes

2 Replies

Michelle C.
I've lived in Westside for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.

it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Raleigh, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.

A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The job market scene is average

The downsides:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Road conditions need improvement

Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for remote workers. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
34 upvotes
Sarah Ruiz
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.

Background: I'm a software engineer, 53, moved here 13 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in Greenfield and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.

**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year

**What I don't love:**
1. Limited shopping options
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The cultural scene situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving

**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for young professionals. pretty good 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 Nashville, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $70K-$120K here.

**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
2 upvotes
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