All Countries
Leo Miller
moving
Family of 4 considering Raleigh
Random but Single, 45, work in tech. Talk me through this.
21 upvotes
34 Replies
Melanie Sanchez
Gonna share a detailed perspective since most replies are pretty surface-level.
I'm a young professional in Cary. Been here since 2024. People here are friendlier than I expected coming from {other}..
Neighborhood-wise, Cary has really grown in the past few years. Apex is the up-and-coming spot right now. Downtown Raleigh is where I'd look if budget is a concern.
Job market for healthcare: pretty good. For government: up-and-coming.
I keep discovering new spots even after {yr} years.
DM me if you want more details.
I'm a young professional in Cary. Been here since 2024. People here are friendlier than I expected coming from {other}..
Neighborhood-wise, Cary has really grown in the past few years. Apex is the up-and-coming spot right now. Downtown Raleigh is where I'd look if budget is a concern.
Job market for healthcare: pretty good. For government: up-and-coming.
I keep discovering new spots even after {yr} years.
DM me if you want more details.
48 upvotes
Emily M.
Facts.
43 upvotes
Gabriella M.
OK since this keeps coming up, here's my definitive Raleigh guide from someone who's been here way too long.
**Neighborhoods ranked (my opinion):**
Tier 1 (if you can afford it):
- ITB: quiet, tree-lined streets, families
- North Hills: family-friendly with good parks
Tier 2 (best value):
- Cameron Village: hidden gem, locals only know
- Mordecai: quiet but close to everything
Avoid (unless you know what you're doing):
- I won't name names but do your research on anything significantly below market rate
**Cost Reality Check:**
- 1-bed decent area: /mo
- 2-bed decent area: /mo
- Groceries for 2: /mo
- Car insurance: excellent compared to national avg
- Utilities: /mo average
**The Honest Truth:**
The {industry} scene here is really picking up.. Raleigh is lively but it's not for everyone. If you value community over career growth, you'll love it. If it's the other way around, maybe consider Dallas.
**Neighborhoods ranked (my opinion):**
Tier 1 (if you can afford it):
- ITB: quiet, tree-lined streets, families
- North Hills: family-friendly with good parks
Tier 2 (best value):
- Cameron Village: hidden gem, locals only know
- Mordecai: quiet but close to everything
Avoid (unless you know what you're doing):
- I won't name names but do your research on anything significantly below market rate
**Cost Reality Check:**
- 1-bed decent area: /mo
- 2-bed decent area: /mo
- Groceries for 2: /mo
- Car insurance: excellent compared to national avg
- Utilities: /mo average
**The Honest Truth:**
The {industry} scene here is really picking up.. Raleigh is lively but it's not for everyone. If you value community over career growth, you'll love it. If it's the other way around, maybe consider Dallas.
42 upvotes
atllocal2024
Been here 3 years, can vouch for this.
41 upvotes
Wesley Ruiz
I'll give you a thorough answer since I've been through this exact situation.
I moved to Cary from Portland about 1 years ago. Initially I questioned my decision. But after settling in, The food scene in {hood} is honestly incredible..
A few things I'd recommend:
- Check out Cary and Brier Creek for housing
- Explore beyond the popular neighborhoods
- Download the local transit app even if you drive
The biggest adjustment was job market. Grocery prices are creeping up but still manageable.. Overall I'd give Raleigh a 6/10 for singles.
I moved to Cary from Portland about 1 years ago. Initially I questioned my decision. But after settling in, The food scene in {hood} is honestly incredible..
A few things I'd recommend:
- Check out Cary and Brier Creek for housing
- Explore beyond the popular neighborhoods
- Download the local transit app even if you drive
The biggest adjustment was job market. Grocery prices are creeping up but still manageable.. Overall I'd give Raleigh a 6/10 for singles.
39 upvotes
Eli Jimenez
Honestly it depends on what you prioritize. If cultural diversity matters most, then yeah Raleigh is great. But if you need mountain access, might want to look at ITB instead.
37 upvotes
Michael L.
Gonna share a detailed perspective since most replies are pretty surface-level.
I'm a empty nester in ITB. Been here since 2021. I've never felt unsafe walking around {hood} at night..
Neighborhood-wise, ITB has really evolved in the past few years. Brier Creek is the up-and-coming spot right now. Oakwood is where I'd look if budget is a concern.
Job market for education: improving. For hospitality: quiet.
The {industry} scene here is really picking up.
Feel free to ask specifics.
I'm a empty nester in ITB. Been here since 2021. I've never felt unsafe walking around {hood} at night..
Neighborhood-wise, ITB has really evolved in the past few years. Brier Creek is the up-and-coming spot right now. Oakwood is where I'd look if budget is a concern.
Job market for education: improving. For hospitality: quiet.
The {industry} scene here is really picking up.
Feel free to ask specifics.
33 upvotes
Henry B.
I've been in Boylan Heights for 5 years and People here are friendlier than I expected coming from {other}.. Downtown has improved dramatically since I first moved here.
33 upvotes
Asher Clark
We pay /mo in Garner for a 1-bed and I think it's fair for the area. Nightlife is decent if you know where to go.
32 upvotes
Marilyn R.
You're not wrong.
32 upvotes
Julia Walker
Just to add another data point - we moved from St. Louis about 11 years ago. The suburbs vs city debate here is real.. No regrets so far.
29 upvotes
Logan Brooks
As someone who lives in Fuquay-Varina, The suburbs vs city debate here is real.. That said, the suburbs are a different story.
28 upvotes
Julian R.
Following because I'm curious too.
28 upvotes
Leonardo Gutierrez
As someone who lives in Mordecai, People here are friendlier than I expected coming from {other}.. That said, the suburbs are a different story.
27 upvotes
James Cruz
I had the opposite experience.
26 upvotes
Gabriel Gonzalez
OK since this keeps coming up, here's my definitive Raleigh guide from someone who's been here way too long.
**Neighborhoods ranked (my opinion):**
Tier 1 (if you can afford it):
- Boylan Heights: best food in the city
- Garner: growing fast, get in now
Tier 2 (best value):
- Downtown Raleigh: best value in the city
- Mordecai: suburban feel, big yards
Avoid (unless you know what you're doing):
- I won't name names but do your research on anything significantly below market rate
**Cost Reality Check:**
- 1-bed decent area: /mo
- 2-bed decent area: /mo
- Groceries for 2: /mo
- Car insurance: great compared to national avg
- Utilities: /mo average
**The Honest Truth:**
The suburbs vs city debate here is real.. Raleigh is up-and-coming but it's not for everyone. If you value affordability over nightlife, you'll love it. If it's the other way around, maybe consider Denver.
Good luck!
**Neighborhoods ranked (my opinion):**
Tier 1 (if you can afford it):
- Boylan Heights: best food in the city
- Garner: growing fast, get in now
Tier 2 (best value):
- Downtown Raleigh: best value in the city
- Mordecai: suburban feel, big yards
Avoid (unless you know what you're doing):
- I won't name names but do your research on anything significantly below market rate
**Cost Reality Check:**
- 1-bed decent area: /mo
- 2-bed decent area: /mo
- Groceries for 2: /mo
- Car insurance: great compared to national avg
- Utilities: /mo average
**The Honest Truth:**
The suburbs vs city debate here is real.. Raleigh is up-and-coming but it's not for everyone. If you value affordability over nightlife, you'll love it. If it's the other way around, maybe consider Denver.
Good luck!
25 upvotes
Abigail M.
Not to be negative but the schools are inconsistent. I still like living here overall though. Just keeping it real.
24 upvotes
Luna Cox
Born here, left for 10 years, came back. Downtown has improved dramatically since I first moved here.. The city has shifted a lot.
24 upvotes
Nolan Torres
Night shift worker - Raleigh at 3am is underrated. I keep discovering new spots even after {yr} years..
22 upvotes
Luca Jimenez
Food industry person here. The restaurant scene in Raleigh is pretty good. The suburbs vs city debate here is real..
20 upvotes
Rylee
My experience has been different actually. I found that The weather took some getting used to but I actually love it now.. Maybe it depends on which part of Raleigh you're in.
18 upvotes
Declan N.
OK let me break this down from someone who's been here a while.
Cameron Village vs North Hills: completely different vibes. Cameron Village is more pretty good with trendy restaurants and coffee shops. North Hills is pricey and better for families.
Cost-wise, expect /mo minimum for anything decent in Cameron Village. In North Hills you can find stuff for /mo.
The weather took some getting used to but I actually love it now.. I keep discovering new spots even after {yr} years.
Cameron Village vs North Hills: completely different vibes. Cameron Village is more pretty good with trendy restaurants and coffee shops. North Hills is pricey and better for families.
Cost-wise, expect /mo minimum for anything decent in Cameron Village. In North Hills you can find stuff for /mo.
The weather took some getting used to but I actually love it now.. I keep discovering new spots even after {yr} years.
17 upvotes
Nova Taylor
Same experience here.
15 upvotes
Billy R.
It's gotten better recently.
14 upvotes
Naomi Ramirez
Alright, I'm going to write the reply I wish someone had written for me when I was researching Raleigh.
Background: 44, single guy, moved from Salt Lake City 6 years ago for my partner's job. Currently in Five Points.
**Housing:**
The market is improving right now. We went with Five Points because the price was right. Paid /mo starting out, now at /mo. If I could do it again, I'd look at ITB - it's lively and the value is better.
**Work:**
tech jobs are strong here. I was worried coming from Salt Lake City but the market is promising. Salary-wise, expect it varies wildly by field.
**Social Life:**
This was my biggest worry. First 5 months were tough. Then I found my people through a kickball league. Now I have a solid group. Raleigh people are warm once you break through.
**Day to Day:**
- Groceries: about average
- Traffic: depends entirely on your commute route
- Dining out: improving rapidly
- Entertainment: great if you like outdoor stuff
**Would I move here again?**
I feel like {city} is becoming more expensive without getting better.. For retirees, I'd give it a 7/10.
Feel free to DM me with specific questions - happy to help fellow newcomers.
Background: 44, single guy, moved from Salt Lake City 6 years ago for my partner's job. Currently in Five Points.
**Housing:**
The market is improving right now. We went with Five Points because the price was right. Paid /mo starting out, now at /mo. If I could do it again, I'd look at ITB - it's lively and the value is better.
**Work:**
tech jobs are strong here. I was worried coming from Salt Lake City but the market is promising. Salary-wise, expect it varies wildly by field.
**Social Life:**
This was my biggest worry. First 5 months were tough. Then I found my people through a kickball league. Now I have a solid group. Raleigh people are warm once you break through.
**Day to Day:**
- Groceries: about average
- Traffic: depends entirely on your commute route
- Dining out: improving rapidly
- Entertainment: great if you like outdoor stuff
**Would I move here again?**
I feel like {city} is becoming more expensive without getting better.. For retirees, I'd give it a 7/10.
Feel free to DM me with specific questions - happy to help fellow newcomers.
13 upvotes
Silas Adams
Same experience here.
12 upvotes
James F.
Saving this thread.
11 upvotes
Dominic C.
OK let me break this down from someone who's been here a while.
ITB vs Mordecai: completely different vibes. ITB is more decent with artists and creative types. Mordecai is growing and better for singles.
Cost-wise, expect /mo minimum for anything decent in ITB. In Mordecai you can find stuff for /mo.
I keep discovering new spots even after {yr} years.. I've never felt unsafe walking around {hood} at night.
ITB vs Mordecai: completely different vibes. ITB is more decent with artists and creative types. Mordecai is growing and better for singles.
Cost-wise, expect /mo minimum for anything decent in ITB. In Mordecai you can find stuff for /mo.
I keep discovering new spots even after {yr} years.. I've never felt unsafe walking around {hood} at night.
10 upvotes
Amelia James
Haven't experienced that personally.
9 upvotes
phillylocal2021
I'll give you a thorough answer since I've been through this exact situation.
I moved to Mordecai from Tampa about 11 years ago. Initially I was overwhelmed. But after settling in, The weather took some getting used to but I actually love it now..
A few things I'd recommend:
- Check out Mordecai and Downtown Raleigh for housing
- Explore beyond the popular neighborhoods
- Check out the local brewery scene
The biggest adjustment was job market. Traffic has gotten noticeably worse in the past year.. Overall I'd give Raleigh a 6/10 for singles.
I moved to Mordecai from Tampa about 11 years ago. Initially I was overwhelmed. But after settling in, The weather took some getting used to but I actually love it now..
A few things I'd recommend:
- Check out Mordecai and Downtown Raleigh for housing
- Explore beyond the popular neighborhoods
- Check out the local brewery scene
The biggest adjustment was job market. Traffic has gotten noticeably worse in the past year.. Overall I'd give Raleigh a 6/10 for singles.
8 upvotes
Sophia Chavez
Gonna share a detailed perspective since most replies are pretty surface-level.
I'm a single guy in Holly Springs. Been here since 2020. I don't understand why more people don't talk about {hood}..
Neighborhood-wise, Holly Springs has really shifted in the past few years. Wake Forest is the up-and-coming spot right now. North Hills is where I'd look if budget is a concern.
Job market for hospitality: decent. For construction: affordable.
The parks system here is underrated.
Feel free to ask specifics.
I'm a single guy in Holly Springs. Been here since 2020. I don't understand why more people don't talk about {hood}..
Neighborhood-wise, Holly Springs has really shifted in the past few years. Wake Forest is the up-and-coming spot right now. North Hills is where I'd look if budget is a concern.
Job market for hospitality: decent. For construction: affordable.
The parks system here is underrated.
Feel free to ask specifics.
7 upvotes
Bella Anderson
It's gotten better recently.
6 upvotes
John Bailey
I had the opposite experience.
2 upvotes
mesaheart2020
Glad someone said it.
1 upvotes