Hello, I work in food service and Homes are going for about $531,400 on average. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. What would you do? The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
26 upvotes
8 Replies
Ryan R.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are pretty good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
40 upvotes
Piper Robinson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 15 years. Moved from Raleigh for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. healthcare 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:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is average - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. South schools are better than expected. 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. Limited public transit options. Nightlife is limited. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 5/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
40 upvotes
Liam Morris
Public transit is hit or miss here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's been a really good experience overall.
38 upvotes
tampalife2023
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Raleigh about 11 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Affordable housing options
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Limited entertainment options
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are reasonable, gas is solid.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Good luck with whatever you decide..
35 upvotes
Maverick Nelson
The food scene here is underrated. Tons of great Italian places. I have mixed feelings honestly.
18 upvotes
Alexa Murphy
big facts right here
15 upvotes
Leah
accurate
15 upvotes
Ava Flores
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 2 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Cedar Grove side vs the South side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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