Hey, I've been here for 12 years and With a population of 471K, Raleigh is a mid-size city. Rent is about $1,468/month for a decent place. Median household income is $82,424, which feels pretty solid for the area. It's changing fast — some good, some not so much. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. What would you do? There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
21 upvotes
10 Replies
Nora Campbell
I've lived in South for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from Salt Lake City, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Affordable housing options
- The public transit scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for retirees. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
37 upvotes
Hunter Thomas
I've lived in Westside for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from New York, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Strong job market in several industries
- The public transit scene is average
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for remote workers. Good luck with whatever you decide..
32 upvotes
Willow King
This.
26 upvotes
Piper T.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Minneapolis about 7 years ago. The main reasons were family and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are reasonable, gas is decent.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Good luck with whatever you decide..
25 upvotes
Mason D.
Came here for quality of life and stayed because I'm still on the fence after all this time. The job market is honestly average and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
22 upvotes
Barbara S.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 14 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is community vibe. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Greenfield side vs the Riverside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
19 upvotes
Elizabeth R.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
17 upvotes
Allison Rivera
not my experience at all
13 upvotes
Julian Hernandez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Pine Hills for 6 years. Moved from Phoenix for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is tough - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Pine Hills schools are decent. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Not very walkable outside downtown. Can feel isolated. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
11 upvotes
Noah Hughes
Came here for retirement and stayed because I genuinely enjoy living here. The safety is honestly surprisingly good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.