I'm originally from Raleigh and Rent is about $1,923/month for a decent place. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Would love some local perspective. Looking forward to hearing from you all. The weather takes some getting used to.
12 upvotes
25 Replies
Hudson N.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 10 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into running, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Greenfield side vs the Midtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
40 upvotes
Axel
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 9 years ago from Nashville and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Sunset. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in retail. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 17 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like Vietnamese.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
38 upvotes
gianna_girl
nah I disagree
36 upvotes
William Hill
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Denver about 10 years ago. The main reasons were school and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are stable, gas is underrated.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Feel free to reach out with questions..
36 upvotes
Paisley Cooper
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 12 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The North side vs the Eastside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
35 upvotes
Ezra Thompson
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 12 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is cultural scene. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Westside side vs the Sunset side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
33 upvotes
Eleanor P.
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 community vibe. Other than that, Happy to answer more specific questions..
32 upvotes
Christian White
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 48, moved here 12 years ago from New York. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The pet-friendliness situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for couples. tough vibes, walkable.
- Sunset: 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 New York, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $90K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
32 upvotes
Emily Kim
Hot take but it's exactly what I was looking for. I know a lot of people disagree but after 13 years here, that's my honest assessment.
30 upvotes
Arianna Jackson
thanks for sharing
30 upvotes
Evan Diaz
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value safety, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely hit or miss and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (Downtown) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Tampa, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare is completely different here. And Nightlife is limited.
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.
29 upvotes
Elizabeth Gutierrez
I'm a contractor and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. The community is average and there's always something going on.
28 upvotes
Christian D.
Weather-wise, the summers are pretty good and winters are established. You get used to it after the first year.
26 upvotes
Jameson T.
Moved here from San Diego about 13 years ago. it's exactly what I was looking for. Still getting used to traffic but Feel free to reach out with questions..
25 upvotes
Logan C.
exactly what I was thinking
24 upvotes
Peter R.
following this thread
22 upvotes
Santiago Hall
wish I knew this sooner
21 upvotes
Naomi Green
exactly what I was thinking
13 upvotes
Ruby
Bought a house here in 2023 and it was the best decision I ever made. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
12 upvotes
Nathan Wood
been saying this for years
9 upvotes
vegas_aurora
yeah no that's not right
8 upvotes
Emmett Kim
wish I knew this sooner
8 upvotes
Caroline Bennett
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it was the best decision I ever made. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
4 upvotes
Hunter Thomas
been saying this for years
4 upvotes
Luke M.
Used to live on the Pine Hills side, now on the Westside side. Completely different vibe. I have mixed feelings honestly.
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