Been meaning to ask this. My family moved here when I was a kid. Median household income is $115,350, which feels pretty solid for the area. Homes are going for about $369,700 on average. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Am I wrong here? Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
16 upvotes
2 Replies
victoria_mama
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value school system, you'll love it. The dating scene is genuinely average and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Eastside) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Raleigh, be prepared for the culture shock. dating scene is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
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.
14 upvotes
Elizabeth Ramirez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 51, moved here 2 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Riverside and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Nice parks and green spaces
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The nightlife situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for singles. decent vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 Houston, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is developing. 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.
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