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Michael Ross
living
Raleigh then vs now - how much has changed?
OK honest question - Born and raised Raleigh. Never left.
119 upvotes
22 Replies
indygirl2025
Facts.
48 upvotes
Isla Rodriguez
Honestly it depends on what you prioritize. If cultural diversity matters most, then yeah Raleigh is great. But if you need beach access, might want to look at Downtown Raleigh instead.
43 upvotes
Levi Wright
Big facts.
42 upvotes
Stella W.
Moved here from Chicago and I'd say The community in {hood} is really tight-knit.. The housing here is solid compared to what I'm used to.
40 upvotes
Wyatt Morris
OK let me break this down from someone who's been here a while.
North Hills vs Oakwood: completely different vibes. North Hills is more pretty good with families and quiet streets. Oakwood is affordable and better for families.
Cost-wise, expect /mo minimum for anything decent in North Hills. In Oakwood you can find stuff for /mo.
The school system in {hood} is actually {adj}.. Cost of living is {col_feel} compared to where I came from.
North Hills vs Oakwood: completely different vibes. North Hills is more pretty good with families and quiet streets. Oakwood is affordable and better for families.
Cost-wise, expect /mo minimum for anything decent in North Hills. In Oakwood you can find stuff for /mo.
The school system in {hood} is actually {adj}.. Cost of living is {col_feel} compared to where I came from.
39 upvotes
Claire Roberts
Not to be negative but it's not as safe as people claim. I still like living here overall though. Just keeping it real.
38 upvotes
Julia Watson
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):
- Apex: safest area, good schools
- Boylan Heights: up-and-coming, artsy vibe
Tier 2 (best value):
- Oakwood: great community feel
- North Hills: 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: underrated compared to national avg
- Utilities: /mo average
**The Honest Truth:**
Traffic has gotten noticeably worse in the past year.. 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 Detroit.
Hope that helps!
**Neighborhoods ranked (my opinion):**
Tier 1 (if you can afford it):
- Apex: safest area, good schools
- Boylan Heights: up-and-coming, artsy vibe
Tier 2 (best value):
- Oakwood: great community feel
- North Hills: 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: underrated compared to national avg
- Utilities: /mo average
**The Honest Truth:**
Traffic has gotten noticeably worse in the past year.. 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 Detroit.
Hope that helps!
37 upvotes
Silas Ross
Yep.
36 upvotes
Madelyn Morales
Alright, I'm going to write the reply I wish someone had written for me when I was researching Raleigh.
Background: 46, military vet, moved from St. Louis 5 years ago for family. Currently in ITB.
**Housing:**
The market is pretty good right now. We went with ITB because it was walkable. Paid /mo starting out, now at /mo. If I could do it again, I'd look at Wake Forest - it's quiet and the value is better.
**Work:**
healthcare jobs are growing here. I was worried coming from St. Louis but the market is mixed. Salary-wise, expect decent if you negotiate.
**Social Life:**
This was my biggest worry. First 4 months were tough. Then I found my people through volunteering. Now I have a solid group. Raleigh people are genuine once you break through.
**Day to Day:**
- Groceries: manageable
- Traffic: depends entirely on your commute route
- Dining out: decent but not world-class
- Entertainment: plenty to do on weekends
**Would I move here again?**
The school system in {hood} is actually {adj}.. For students, I'd give it a 6/10.
Feel free to DM me with specific questions - happy to help fellow newcomers.
Background: 46, military vet, moved from St. Louis 5 years ago for family. Currently in ITB.
**Housing:**
The market is pretty good right now. We went with ITB because it was walkable. Paid /mo starting out, now at /mo. If I could do it again, I'd look at Wake Forest - it's quiet and the value is better.
**Work:**
healthcare jobs are growing here. I was worried coming from St. Louis but the market is mixed. Salary-wise, expect decent if you negotiate.
**Social Life:**
This was my biggest worry. First 4 months were tough. Then I found my people through volunteering. Now I have a solid group. Raleigh people are genuine once you break through.
**Day to Day:**
- Groceries: manageable
- Traffic: depends entirely on your commute route
- Dining out: decent but not world-class
- Entertainment: plenty to do on weekends
**Would I move here again?**
The school system in {hood} is actually {adj}.. For students, I'd give it a 6/10.
Feel free to DM me with specific questions - happy to help fellow newcomers.
31 upvotes
Andrew Cox
Great question. Here's my honest take after 1 years:
The good:
- Easy to meet people
- Diverse neighborhoods
- Safe neighborhoods
The not-so-good:
- Rising rent
- Parking is a nightmare
Public transit is {transit_feel} - you'll want a car.. I'd say for students, Raleigh is excellent.
The good:
- Easy to meet people
- Diverse neighborhoods
- Safe neighborhoods
The not-so-good:
- Rising rent
- Parking is a nightmare
Public transit is {transit_feel} - you'll want a car.. I'd say for students, Raleigh is excellent.
28 upvotes
Sophia Torres
Born here, left for 10 years, came back. I keep discovering new spots even after {yr} years.. The city has transformed a lot.
25 upvotes
Paisley M.
It's gotten worse recently.
24 upvotes
Lucy Ramirez
Just to add another data point - we moved from Nashville about 8 years ago. The school system in {hood} is actually {adj}.. No regrets so far.
23 upvotes
Bennett
Gonna share a detailed perspective since most replies are pretty surface-level.
I'm a couple in our 30s in Wake Forest. Been here since 2020. The food scene in {hood} is honestly incredible..
Neighborhood-wise, Wake Forest has really evolved in the past few years. Mordecai is the up-and-coming spot right now. Five Points is where I'd look if budget is a concern.
Job market for real estate: excellent. For real estate: growing.
The weather took some getting used to but I actually love it now.
I'm a couple in our 30s in Wake Forest. Been here since 2020. The food scene in {hood} is honestly incredible..
Neighborhood-wise, Wake Forest has really evolved in the past few years. Mordecai is the up-and-coming spot right now. Five Points is where I'd look if budget is a concern.
Job market for real estate: excellent. For real estate: growing.
The weather took some getting used to but I actually love it now.
17 upvotes
Melanie White
Just to add another data point - we moved from Portland about 2 years ago. I've never felt unsafe walking around {hood} at night.. No regrets so far.
11 upvotes
Serenity Foster
Let me give you the perspective nobody asked for but everyone needs.
I've lived in Garner, Cameron Village, and currently in Boylan Heights. Each one feels like a different city honestly.
Rent comparison:
- Garner: /mo for a 2-bed
- Cameron Village: about /mo
- Boylan Heights: /mo but excellent
I don't understand why more people don't talk about {hood}.. The key is finding your neighborhood. Once you do, Raleigh really clicks. Happy to answer questions.
I've lived in Garner, Cameron Village, and currently in Boylan Heights. Each one feels like a different city honestly.
Rent comparison:
- Garner: /mo for a 2-bed
- Cameron Village: about /mo
- Boylan Heights: /mo but excellent
I don't understand why more people don't talk about {hood}.. The key is finding your neighborhood. Once you do, Raleigh really clicks. Happy to answer questions.
11 upvotes
Zoe Evans
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):
- North Hills: trendy, pricey, but worth it
- Wake Forest: family-friendly with good parks
Tier 2 (best value):
- Five Points: underrated and affordable
- Garner: good schools, safe streets
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: solid compared to national avg
- Utilities: /mo average
**The Honest Truth:**
Cost of living is {col_feel} compared to where I came from.. Raleigh is quiet but it's not for everyone. If you value community over nightlife, you'll love it. If it's the other way around, maybe consider Portland.
Happy to answer questions.
**Neighborhoods ranked (my opinion):**
Tier 1 (if you can afford it):
- North Hills: trendy, pricey, but worth it
- Wake Forest: family-friendly with good parks
Tier 2 (best value):
- Five Points: underrated and affordable
- Garner: good schools, safe streets
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: solid compared to national avg
- Utilities: /mo average
**The Honest Truth:**
Cost of living is {col_feel} compared to where I came from.. Raleigh is quiet but it's not for everyone. If you value community over nightlife, you'll love it. If it's the other way around, maybe consider Portland.
Happy to answer questions.
8 upvotes
Ann W.
Good to know.
8 upvotes
Quinn M.
As someone who lives in Boylan Heights, People here are friendlier than I expected coming from {other}.. That said, parking can be a real pain.
7 upvotes
Isla L.
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):
- Oakwood: walkable, great restaurants, young crowd
- Downtown Raleigh: solid value for the location
Tier 2 (best value):
- Fuquay-Varina: best value in the city
- Garner: good schools, safe streets
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: solid compared to national avg
- Utilities: /mo average
**The Honest Truth:**
The school system in {hood} is actually {adj}.. Raleigh is growing but it's not for everyone. If you value quiet over nightlife, you'll love it. If it's the other way around, maybe consider Cleveland.
**Neighborhoods ranked (my opinion):**
Tier 1 (if you can afford it):
- Oakwood: walkable, great restaurants, young crowd
- Downtown Raleigh: solid value for the location
Tier 2 (best value):
- Fuquay-Varina: best value in the city
- Garner: good schools, safe streets
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: solid compared to national avg
- Utilities: /mo average
**The Honest Truth:**
The school system in {hood} is actually {adj}.. Raleigh is growing but it's not for everyone. If you value quiet over nightlife, you'll love it. If it's the other way around, maybe consider Cleveland.
5 upvotes
Aaron Parker
I've lived in both Oakwood and ITB. Completely different vibes. The suburbs vs city debate here is real..
2 upvotes
Melanie Lopez
Couldn't have said it better.
0 upvotes