My partner and I are Poverty rate is 12.3%, which is around average. Rent is about $1,052/month for a decent place. You can expect to pay around $1,052 for rent here. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Anyone in a similar situation? It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The suburbs are where most families end up. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
3 upvotes
13 Replies
local_emma41
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 25, moved here 7 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Pine Hills and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Affordable housing options
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Limited shopping options
3. The school system situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for remote workers. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $60K-$80K 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.
40 upvotes
Luke
bump
34 upvotes
Leah Myers
accurate
29 upvotes
Julian Ward
nah I disagree
28 upvotes
Eliana
it depends on the neighborhood
23 upvotes
Santiago Turner
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are challenging, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
16 upvotes
audrey_dude
Hot take but it's been a really good experience overall. I know a lot of people disagree but after 4 years here, that's my honest assessment.
16 upvotes
Evan Lopez
I've lived in Pine Hills for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Phoenix, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Decent public transit for the size
- The housing market scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for remote workers. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
16 upvotes
David
The food scene here is solid. Tons of great Indian places. I have mixed feelings honestly.
13 upvotes
Robert Nelson
not my experience at all
13 upvotes
Joshua
noted, appreciate it
7 upvotes
David A.
Used to live on the South side, now on the North side. Completely different vibe. the quality of life is solid.
5 upvotes
Hudson Martinez
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from San Diego and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Eastside. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in education. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 5 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like Southern.
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