Anyone else feel this way? I work in education and It's a a small town city with about 13,750 people. You can expect to pay around $3,090 for rent here. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Has anyone dealt with this?
11 upvotes
10 Replies
Ella Bennett
We moved here with our family and I love the pace of life here. Schools in Springfield area are challenging. Kids love it here.
38 upvotes
Jackson Nguyen
interesting, hadn't considered that
33 upvotes
chill_abigail28
this is the way
33 upvotes
lake_maverick95
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 34, moved here 6 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in Old Town and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The cultural scene situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for retirees. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 Charlotte, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
25 upvotes
Mackenzie Phillips
Bought a house here in 2017 and I have mixed feelings honestly. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
22 upvotes
Bennett C.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 46, moved here 6 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Greenfield and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The healthcare situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for young professionals. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 Miami, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $50K-$150K 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.
19 upvotes
Logan J.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value public transit, you'll love it. The cost of living is genuinely hit or miss and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (The Heights) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Raleigh, be prepared for the culture shock. safety is completely different here. And Homeless population growing downtown.
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.