Hey, We have two kids and It's a a smaller city city with about 30,833 people. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
8 upvotes
13 Replies
isabelle_runner
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a nurse who relocated here from Charlotte about 4 years ago. The main reasons were work and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good airport with direct flights
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Rising rent and home prices
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are competitive, gas is solid.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Good luck with whatever you decide..
32 upvotes
Logan Jones
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 48, moved here 5 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Uptown and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The weather situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for singles. challenging vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $80K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
23 upvotes
Waylon Carter
I work in education here and I have mixed feelings honestly. The job market for my field is tough. Good luck with whatever you decide..
23 upvotes
Olivia Miller
Used to live on the Greenfield side, now on the Sunset side. Completely different vibe. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
22 upvotes
Scarlett M.
Bought a house here in 2022 and I genuinely enjoy living here. Property values have gone about the same since then.
18 upvotes
Isabelle M.
Used to live on the West side, now on the Highland side. Completely different vibe. I love the pace of life here.
16 upvotes
Arianna Evans
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is safety. the quality of life is solid. Worth doing your research before committing.
15 upvotes
houston_aaliyah
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. it exceeded my expectations. Compared to Miami it's hit or miss.
15 upvotes
Everett
I work in marketing here and the quality of life is solid. The job market for my field is hit or miss. Feel free to reach out with questions..
9 upvotes
Lydia Rogers
Moved here from Atlanta about 5 years ago. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Still getting used to dating scene but Hope this helps!.
5 upvotes
Caleb Hill
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is community vibe. it was the best decision I ever made. Worth doing your research before committing.
5 upvotes
Sadie Green
couldn't agree more
0 upvotes
Ryan Foster
We moved here with our family and I love the pace of life here. Schools in South area are excellent. Kids love it here.
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