First post here. Just moved here 17 months ago and Rent is about $1,890/month for a decent place. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Let me know your thoughts. Thanks for reading. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
47 upvotes
2 Replies
Mackenzie Lopez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 58, moved here 9 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Old Town and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Can feel isolated
3. The walkability situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for remote workers. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 Raleigh, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $50K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
36 upvotes
Gabriel Brown
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from New York about 15 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are affordable, gas is excellent.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
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