First post here. I grew up here but left for a while. Poverty rate is 15.2%, which is higher than I expected. Median household income is $53,208, which feels on the lower side for the area. The unemployment rate is 3.0%, which is pretty low. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The weather takes some getting used to. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The suburbs are where most families end up. The city has invested a lot in new development. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
0 upvotes
13 Replies
Vivian L.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a teacher who relocated here from Charlotte about 15 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good airport with direct flights
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Dating scene is rough
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are stable, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
39 upvotes
Janice K.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Chicago about 10 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Strong job market in several industries
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are reasonable, gas is improving.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
38 upvotes
Jonathan Clark
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value dating scene, you'll love it. The community vibe is genuinely solid and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Sunset) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Raleigh, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit 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.
38 upvotes
Oliver Mitchell
As someone who grew up here, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. A lot has changed in the past few years though. outdoor recreation used to be much manageable but now it's solid.
38 upvotes
Chloe A.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 1 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Old Town side vs the The Heights side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
34 upvotes
Katherine Collins
Came here for school and stayed because I love the pace of life here. The healthcare is honestly improving and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
32 upvotes
Olivia R.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want food scene, then yeah this place is great. But if community vibe matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
30 upvotes
stl_alexander
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 13 years ago from Nashville and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in The Heights. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in engineering. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 15 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like farm-to-table.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
28 upvotes
Santiago Rodriguez
yep
27 upvotes
Jose Baker
I've lived in Eastside for about 10 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from New York, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Four distinct seasons
- The outdoor recreation scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for families. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
27 upvotes
Sophie
My experience has been mostly positive. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The only thing I'd watch out for is cultural scene. Other than that, It's not for everyone but it works for us..
25 upvotes
Katherine Foster
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Dallas about 6 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good internet infrastructure
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Summers can be brutally hot
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are established, gas is solid.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Feel free to reach out with questions..
18 upvotes
Mason Scott
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I have mixed feelings honestly. Good luck with whatever you decide..
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