Hi all, My family moved here when I was a kid. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
3 upvotes
3 Replies
Bennett Wright
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 30, moved here 9 years ago from Denver. I've lived in Midtown and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Urban sprawl is real
3. The healthcare situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for couples. tough vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 Denver, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
37 upvotes
cool_isabella15
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cost of living, you'll love it. The dating scene is genuinely solid and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Old Town) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Raleigh, be prepared for the culture shock. weather is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
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.