So, I'm a college student here and Rent is about $1,370/month for a decent place. Poverty rate is 15.8%, which is higher than I expected. You can expect to pay around $1,370 for rent here. The median home value here is around $259,200, which seems about average. The weather takes some getting used to. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Anyone in a similar situation? There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
25 upvotes
6 Replies
Joyce F.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 31, moved here 1 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Pine Hills and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The school system situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for couples. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 Portland, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $100K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
31 upvotes
born_zoe41
Weather-wise, the summers are decent and winters are stable. You get used to it after the first year.
19 upvotes
Silas Gonzalez
Used to live on the Meadowbrook side, now on the Cedar Grove side. Completely different vibe. it's not perfect but it works for me.
18 upvotes
Emily Kim
I'm a project manager and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. The community is solid and there's always something going on.
17 upvotes
James Patel
nah I disagree
12 upvotes
emily_local
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 41, moved here 9 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Lakewood and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Decent public transit for the size
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The job market situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for retirees. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
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