Anyone else feel this way? Rent is about $840/month for a decent place. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The city has invested a lot in new development.
10 upvotes
8 Replies
desert_lucy7
underrated comment
23 upvotes
Owen A.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cost of living, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely challenging and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (Pine Hills) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Nashville, be prepared for the culture shock. cultural scene is completely different here. And Property taxes are high.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
23 upvotes
sf_delilah
I work in retail here and it was the best decision I ever made. The job market for my field is challenging. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
21 upvotes
Brielle Perez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Raleigh about 8 years ago. The main reasons were family and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Lots of new development happening
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are stable, gas is better than expected.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Good luck with whatever you decide..
19 upvotes
Kayden W.
Weather-wise, the summers are hit or miss and winters are competitive. You get used to it after the first year.
12 upvotes
born_charlotte83
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from New York about 3 years ago. The main reasons were school and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good internet infrastructure
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are manageable, gas is average.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Happy to answer more specific questions..
11 upvotes
columbusvibes2022
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Definitely worth checking out..
6 upvotes
Eva Carter
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are hit or miss, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
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