Should I move to Port Chester or stay in Charlotte?
I'm retired and Median household income is $99,916, which feels pretty solid for the area. Rent is about $1,922/month for a decent place. With a population of 31,162, Port Chester is a smaller city. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The city has invested a lot in new development. What would you do? The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
6 upvotes
12 Replies
henry_local
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 8 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Midtown side vs the South side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
40 upvotes
Aaron Campbell
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 26, moved here 5 years ago from LA. I've lived in Westside and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The traffic situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for young professionals. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 LA, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $70K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
39 upvotes
Jeremiah Harris
I work in hospitality here and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The job market for my field is decent. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
38 upvotes
Aurora R.
I've been living here for 6 years and I'd say it's not perfect but it works for me. The pet-friendliness is surprisingly good compared to other places I've lived. Overall Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
35 upvotes
Mason Smith
I've lived in South for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Raleigh, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Decent public transit for the size
- The cultural scene scene is tough
The downsides:
- Property taxes are high
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for singles. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
31 upvotes
Zoe Gray
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.
29 upvotes
Hunter Hall
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 4 years. Moved from Baltimore for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
consulting 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:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is challenging - 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. Highland schools are surprisingly good. 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. Property taxes are high. Limited entertainment options. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
28 upvotes
Caroline Cook
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value safety, you'll love it. The dating scene is genuinely tough and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (Highland) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from New York, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
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.
26 upvotes
Isla Diaz
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 14 years ago from Houston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Uptown. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in tech. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 15 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like Mexican.
No regrets on my end..
18 upvotes
Roy S.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 13 years ago from Charlotte and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in The Heights. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in construction. If you're in manufacturing you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 8 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like Mediterranean.
All Countries
