So, We have two kids and Homes are going for about $411,700 on average. Average temperature is around 76°F, so it's warm year-round. The weather takes some getting used to. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Am I overthinking this? Thanks for reading. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The weather takes some getting used to. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
50 upvotes
17 Replies
sophie_runner
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a teacher who relocated here from Nashville about 13 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Lots of new development happening
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are wild, gas is decent.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Hope this helps!.
38 upvotes
Wesley Alvarez
I've lived in East for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from Austin, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- The dating scene scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Nightlife is limited
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for remote workers. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
28 upvotes
Elizabeth Ramirez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 27, moved here 2 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Riverside and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Limited shopping options
3. The school system situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for young professionals. average 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 Raleigh, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
24 upvotes
sofia_soul
exactly what I was thinking
23 upvotes
Katherine Gutierrez
lol so true
20 upvotes
Isla Martin
wish I knew this sooner
20 upvotes
Luca Mitchell
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are decent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
17 upvotes
Ava Harris
nah I disagree
15 upvotes
Emma Rodriguez
lol so true
15 upvotes
Anna
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Uptown for 10 years. Moved from Tampa for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Uptown 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Homeless population growing downtown. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
15 upvotes
Silas Scott
exactly what I was thinking
10 upvotes
Lydia Allen
I work in finance here and I love the pace of life here. The job market for my field is tough. No regrets on my end..
10 upvotes
Hunter Chavez
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. it's been a really good experience overall. Compared to Salt Lake City it's challenging.
7 upvotes
Maya M.
Used to live on the Greenfield side, now on the East side. Completely different vibe. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
6 upvotes
Walter S.
Moved here from Denver about 8 years ago. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Still getting used to public transit but No regrets on my end..
5 upvotes
Isaac P.
yep
1 upvotes
Joseph A.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 30, moved here 6 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Sunset and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Can feel isolated
3. The cost of living situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for remote workers. decent vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 Tampa, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $50K-$110K 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.
All Countries
