Curious what people think. I grew up here but left for a while. It's a a small town city with about 1,999 people. Rent is about $749/month for a decent place. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. What are your go-to spots? Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The weather takes some getting used to.
15 upvotes
6 Replies
Peyton A.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 46, moved here 10 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in West and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The outdoor recreation situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for singles. decent 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 Charlotte, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
28 upvotes
Madelyn Gray
Hot take but it's been a really good experience overall. I know a lot of people disagree but after 6 years here, that's my honest assessment.
27 upvotes
Vivian Davis
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 5 years ago from Raleigh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Midtown. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in finance. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 13 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like craft beer.